March

2, 2016





FROM: Paul Smokowski, Ph.D., SSW Dean and Professor

RE: Moving Forward KU SSW

Dear School of Social Welfare Community;

Ten months ago, I moved my family across the country and traded a successful research oriented career
track for the Deanship at KUSSW. I had great expectations for my leadership here and indeed, I have
worked with many wonderful Jayhawks.

Unfortunately, the challenges facing the School of Social Welfare are far more daunting than anyone
would have anticipated. Dwindling financial resources, the immediate necessity to find new revenue
streams or significantly cut personnel, ongoing student protests over inclusion and equity, reforms to
our state contracting processes, and faculty morale are all obstacles to moving the School forward.
These concerns existed before I arrived at KU. I have done my best, but have certainly fallen short at
times.

During my brief tenure at KU, I have tried to contribute to the health and future well being of the School
by identifying areas of concern that can no longer be left unaddressed. I tried to deal with these issues
immediately and with as much clear communication and transparency as possible. To be more
responsive to student needs, I created the Toni Johnson Office of Race and Social Justice, naming a
Director and a diverse organizing committee. Task forces were created to identify new sources of
minority student support, address concerns about mental health resources, and organize our social
justice research into a coherent portfolio. We sponsored national speakers on race and social justice to
come to campus. I chaired a work group to devise a new practice based doctoral program (D.S.W.) for
mid-career social work professionals and initiated strategic planning activities to unite the School with a
shared vision. We worked on revitalizing our Advisory Board and energizing our fundraising efforts.
Consequently, I believe that we have made important strides in moving the School forward.

It is clear that the best way for me to contribute to the future health of the University is to refocus my
energies on building our federal research portfolio. Consequently, effective today (3/2/16), I will step
aside from my typical Dean duties to work on special research initiatives in studying child and family
resilience, leaving the Provost to name an Acting Dean who will take care of the daily functioning of the
School. In July 2016, I will return to the faculty as a Full Professor and step down from the Dean role
completely on the 1st of July.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide leadership as the Dean of the School of Social Welfare. I look
forward to contributing to further development of the University in new ways in the future.
Twente Hall |1545 Lilac Lane | Lawrence, KS 66045-3129 | (785) 864-4720 | Fax (785) 864-5277 | www.socwel.ku.edu
Edwards Campus | 12600 Quivira Road Suite RC125 | Overland Park, KS 66213-2402 (913) 897-8550 | Fax (913) 897-8657

I have no doubt that the School will continue its deep rooted tradition of providing leadership in
research, education, and service in Social Welfare in Kansas and across the United States.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul Smokowski, Ph.D.

Dean and Professor