School of Social Work

Attend an eventRequest infoApplyGive

Dean's welcome

Leading the School of Social Work

Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H., was named dean of the VCU School of Social Work on Oct. 28, 2024, after serving as interim dean from July 2023. He is also serving as associate dean for research, interim associate dean for faculty affairs, and professor.  

Dr. Cuddeback previously was the Berg-Beach Distinguished Professor of Community Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked for almost 20 years. Dr. Cuddeback came to VCU in September 2021 as the associate dean for research. Dean Cuddeback's full profile and CV »  |  Learn more about Dr. Cuddeback's permanent appointment »  |  Watch a video message from Dr. Cuddeback after his interim appointment » 

VCU interim dean Gary Cuddeback, wearing a green sweater and blue pants, stands outside by a large planter with colorful flowers, with a VCU sign in the background.

A message from Dean Cuddeback

As dean, I am so pleased to welcome you to the Ramily and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work. VCU is one of the most diverse state universities, and embraces its Carnegie designations as a Research 1 and Community-Engaged institution, as well as a Minority Serving Institution. The university is committed to a diverse, inclusive and equitable university and world, and in 2022 was awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. Combining this commitment with cutting-edge research and education means student opportunity is limitless.

The school has been leading change for over 100 years. As part of our school, you’ll engage our communities, confront social inequities, and collaborate with faculty and other students to champion social justice. We are practitioners, scholars and community leaders, and our commitment and passion lead us. We are the highest-ranked school of social work in the commonwealth of Virginia, and consistently among the top 30 nationally. Together,  we listen, learn and activate change UNLIKE any other.

Our community ties run deep with over 500 community partners; students from 25 states, Washington, D.C., and stationed abroad as active-duty military; and faculty leading the way in high-impact community-engaged research and scholarship. If you are committed to making a difference, the VCU School of Social Work is the right place for you. 

Please join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with our school.

Go Rams!

Sincerely,

Gary S. Cuddeback signature

Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H.
Dean and Professor
VCU School of Social Work