Kiana Dibo-Armstrong has been named the new chair of Savannah State University's Department of Social Work.
Dibo-Armstrong has been a tenured associate professor and practicum field director for the university's bachelor's and master's programs in social work for the past five years, according to a community announcement.
“Dr. Dibo-Armstrong has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to our students and the broader social work discipline," said Teresa Shakespeare, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, in the announcement. “Her deep expertise, proven track record in field education, and commitment to academic excellence make her exceptionally qualified to lead the department into its next chapter.”
Experience at three universities
Before joining Savannah State,
Dibo-Armstrong was the field education director at Colorado Mesa University, Southern Arkansas University and Alabama State University.
Throughout her career, Dibo-Armstrong has held leadership roles at local, state and national levels within the social work profession, according to the announcement. She has served as a regional representative for the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and as chair of special committees for the Colorado Chapter.
Dibo-Armstrong has also contributed to national task forces convened by the Council on Social Work Education and served as a licensure standards reviewer for the Association of Social Work Boards. She completed two consecutive three-year dual appointments with the Council on Social Work Education, serving as chair of the Council on Field Education and as a commissioner on the Commission on Educational Policy during her latter appointment.
In 2024, she was appointed associate editor of the Journal of Social Work in Public Health.
Recognized for leadership
Dibo-Armstrong has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the field. She has received commendations from a former department chair for exemplary leadership, as well as awards and certificates from students in recognition of her service, mentorship and commitment to Black excellence, according to the announcement.
Her scholarly agenda examines incivility in academic, mental health and public health settings, with a focus on the prevalence and impact of microaggressions and macroaggressions.
“As a tenured associate professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Savannah State University, I remain committed to fully supporting our students, advancing leadership in higher education, contributing to the social work profession through community engagement, and expanding my scholarly contributions through academic publication,” Dibo-Armstrong said in the announcement.
Dibo-Armstrong holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky, a master's in social work from the University of Alabama and a bachelor's degree in social work from Alabama State University.
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This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah State names new social work department chair | Exclusive
