Morrow joins the Eberly College from Winthrop University, where she has served as department chair and a professor of social work. Her professional practice background includes clinical, supervisory, administrative, and consultative roles in behavioral health, medical social work, and long-term care social work.
Her research interests are in the areas of clinical practice, sexual minority populations, mental health and older adults. She is the lead editor of the book, "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Social Work Practice" and co-editor of an accompanying casebook published through Columbia University Press. She has also authored more than 30 published articles and book chapters, and has made more than 70 scholarly presentations in local, regional, national, and international venues.
“We are delighted that Dr. Deana Morrow will be joining WVU and the Eberly College’s leadership team as the new director for our School of Social Work,” said R. Gregory Dunaway, dean of the Eberly College. “There is consensus that our state and nation are at a crossroads as to how to best tackle the opioid crisis, as well other serious challenges affecting the well-being of our communities.
“She is just the person to lead the program’s education and research efforts to address West Virginia’s societal challenges, and support our social work force’s efforts to build healthier communities.”
Morrow holds a Ph.D in counselor education from N.C. State University, an M.S.W. and a graduate certificate in gerontology from the University of Georgia, and an M.A.Ed in counseling from Western Carolina University. She also completed the Harvard University Management Development Program for leaders in higher education; and she holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.
The WVU School of Social Work is a top producer of professional social workers throughout the state and region. The School has a national reputation for excellence in teaching and research and is a national leader in social work practice with rural communities.
It was that reputation, and the School’s active research engagement in child welfare, mental health care, services to veterans’, and the care of older adults—all of which directly improve the well-being of West Virginians— that Morrow said attracted her to the post.
“I believe the WVU School of Social Work is poised to engage in education and research that will improve many of the social welfare problems found in West Virginia and beyond our state borders,” she said.
“We will pursue high impact innovative research that will focus on issues such as poverty, the opioid crisis, and chronic social problems that challenge low income and rural communities. We will embrace opportunities to build healthier communities in West Virginia and beyond.”
