June 1, 2026 — The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) is pleased to announce new leadership transitions and appointments to its Board of Directors. These leaders bring a shared commitment to advancing excellence and equity in social work doctoral education and supporting GADE’s growing national and international membership.

Following the completion of her term as President, Dr. Mimi V. Chapman, Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor & Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will transition into the role of Immediate Past President. During her tenure as President, Dr. Chapman provided thoughtful and steady leadership during a period of continued growth and engagement for the organization. She has been a longstanding champion for doctoral education, mentorship, and equity within the social work profession, and her leadership has helped strengthen GADE’s support of member institutions, faculty, and students. The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude for her many contributions and continued service to the organization.

GADE also proudly congratulates Dr. Tova Walsh as she assumes the role of President after serving the past year as President-Elect. Dr. Walsh is the Anne Wackman Oros Associate Professor and PhD Program Director at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. She has been an active leader within GADE through Board service and committee leadership.

“Dr. Walsh brings tremendous vision, experience, and commitment to doctoral education,” said Dr. Chapman. “GADE is fortunate to have her leadership as the organization continues its important work supporting doctoral programs, students, and faculty across the country.”

GADE also recognizes and thanks Dr. Jennifer Greenfield of the University of Denver and Dr. Poco Kernsmith of the University of California, Los Angeles as they complete their terms on the Board of Directors. The organization is grateful for their dedicated service and many contributions to advancing GADE’s mission.

Effective June 1, 2026, the following individuals begin new Board leadership roles and appointments:

• Dr. Mimi V. Chapman – Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor & Associate Dean for Doctoral Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, begins her term as Immediate Past President
• Dr. Tova Walsh – Anne Wackman Oros Associate Professor & PhD Program Director, University of Wisconsin–Madison, begins her term as President
• Dr. G. Lawrence Farmer – Professor & Doctoral Program Director, Fordham University, was elected to a three-year term as an At-Large Member having previously served as GADE Co-President in 2021-2022
• Dr. Jacqueline Dyer – Associate Professor of Practice and DSW Director, Simmons University, was elected to a three-year term as an At-Large Member
• Dr. Stephen Tripodi – Professor & Doctoral Program Director, Florida State University, was appointed Secretary

The GADE Board of Directors serves as the organization’s governing body, providing strategic leadership and guidance to its national membership. The Board consists of elected leaders who serve staggered terms to ensure continuity and stewardship.

To learn more about the GADE Board of Directors, visit gadesocialwork.org/board-of-directors.
  The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) is an organization of more than 100 member institutions representing over 120 social work doctoral programs. Founded in 1977, our mission is to promote excellence and equity in social work doctoral education through networking, capacity building, and stewardship of the profession. Toward that end, members share knowledge and resources that support innovation and excellence in doctoral education for developing and existing programs; promote the development of doctoral students in all their diversity and publicly recognize their achievements and contributions to the profession; and represent and promote the interests and concerns of social work and social welfare doctoral programs in the larger profession. Since 1992, GADE has strived to codify and unify these goals and principles in its Quality Guidelines for PhD Programs in Social Work. gadesocialwork.org