The IU School of Social Work is pleased to announce several leadership position transitions within the school. These transitions will support the school’s growth and provide advancement opportunities for faculty and staff.

Dr. Jeffry Thigpen to lead as senior director of MSW program
Jeffry Thigpen, Ph.D., MSW is an associate professor with the IU School of Social Work and former senior director of the BSW program. Dr. Thigpen will assume the role of Senior MSW Program Director in January 2021. Kathy Lay, Ph.D., interim senior MSW program director, will remain in her position through December to help with the leadership transition.
Dr. Thigpen teaches undergraduate and graduates courses in research, human behavior theory, and practice. His research interests include childhood sexual behavior, sexual development, the sexual culture within families, and sexual health. Dr. Thigpen earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration.

Dr. Patrick Sullivan to serve as associate dean of the IU School of Social Work at IU Bloomington and director of MSW program
Patrick Sullivan, Ph.D., is an IUPUI Chancellor’s Professor with the IU School of Social Work. He has been with the IU School of Social Work since 1993. He served these new roles in an interim capacity and permanently assumed the position starting July 1, 2020. He will continue to support faculty advancement as director of faculty development. Dr. Sullivan earned his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas, and his research focuses on mental health, addiction, and philosophical frameworks for practice and policy.

Dr. Joan Carlson to lead as director of Center for Health & Well-being
Joan Carlson, Ph.D., is an associate professor with the IU School of Social Work. She earned her Ph.D. at Florida State University and has over 20 years of experience in social work. Dr. Carlson has expertise in public health education, health science, substance use, evidence-based medicine, and intervention studies. In her new role, Dr. Carlson will advance the School’s research center capacity to provide support and visibility for faculty research and scholarship.

Marshelia Harris HeadshotDr. Marshelia Harris to serve as director of BSW program at IU Northwest
Marshelia Harris, DSW is an assistant professor with the IU School of Social Work on the IU Northwest campus. She previously served as the BSW field coordinator at IU Northwest, and her research interests include teaching practices, community engagement, cultural humility, and social policy. Dr. Harris earned her DSW from the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University.