June 22, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Kyaien O. Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH, as Dean of the School of Social Work, effective July 15, 2026, following a comprehensive national search.
Kyaien is a multi-time graduate of the University of Pittsburgh having earned her BS in Psychology, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in Minority Health and Health Disparities from the School of Public Health, and a PhD in Social Work. After beginning her academic career at the University of South Florida, Dr. Conner returned to Pitt as a Professor in the School of Social Work in 2023. She currently serves as an Associate Dean, the Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair, and the Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems.
A nationally recognized scholar, educator, and leader, Kyaien’s research examines the drivers of disparities in health and mental health care access, utilization, and outcomes. Her work is dedicated to advancing responsive behavioral health interventions.
Kyaien currently serves as principal investigator of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) award evaluating a transitions-in-care intervention aimed at reducing health disparities among patients discharged from hospitals with co-occurring chronic illness and mental illness. She is also co-investigator on a multi-site National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) R01 study focused on training volunteers in low-income communities to deliver brief depression interventions to peers experiencing acute depression, helping to expand community-based mental health support.
Beyond her research accomplishments, Kyaien has demonstrated a deep commitment to public purpose and policy innovation and her work has realized national impact. For example, she serves in a leadership capacity on the NIH-funded Advanced Research Institute for Geriatric Psychiatry and has authored legislation signed into law in Florida in 2021 to restructure the State Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.
Her contributions have earned numerous distinctions, including the University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumni Award (2023), the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement at the University of South Florida (2022), and the University of South Florida Black Faculty Member of the Year Award (2021).
Throughout her career, Dr. Conner has exemplified collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to community-building. I am confident that her vision, energy, and dedication will guide the School of Social Work to even greater impact and distinction in the years ahead.
I extend my sincere thanks to the search committee, co-chaired by Eboni Zamani-Gallaher, the Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the School of Education, and Louise Cavanaugh Sciannameo, Associate Provost for Strategic Communications—for their thoughtful leadership and diligent efforts throughout the search process.
Please join me in congratulating Kyaien on this well-deserved appointment.
Regards,
Joseph J. McCarthy
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor