LOYOLA LINKS

• October 4, 2011
• 12:01 am
• Jessica Reynolds
• one comment

Getting to know Dr. Wheeler

Last May, Darrell Wheeler, PhD, was named dean of Loyola’s School of Social Work (SSW). We sat down with  him recently to chat and learn more about his background in social service, his plans for the SSW, and his interests and activities outside of work.

What was your professional experience before coming to Loyola?
I most recently served as the associate dean for research and community partnerships at the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. I was also a part of the faculty for 10 years, teaching primarily in community organizing and research, in addition to being the associate dean for research and community partnership for the last six years. I’ve also taught at Columbia University, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and now at Loyola. Overall, I’ve been teaching since 1992.

I received my undergraduate degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, my master’s in social work at Howard University, and my master’s in public health and PhD (social work) at the University of Pittsburgh.

What are your areas of specialty within social work?
I focus on public health social work and HIV/AIDS-related research. I’ve had the privilege of heading several evaluation and/or research projects in New York and North Carolina. I’ve done extensive work in terms of research evaluation on substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, behavioral risk, and protective factors. Prior to my academic career, I’ve worked in community-based social service programs, psychiatric hospitals, and have had a private practice in psychotherapy.

What motivated you to join Loyola University Chicago?  
I’m a native of Chicago, and it was interesting to learn of a job opportunity at a university I’ve known about since early on in life. The job announcement seemed remarkably consistent with my own personal and professional interests and an appropriate next step in my professional development; not to mention that the mission of the University is consistent with my own professional and personal ideologies.

What specific goals do you hope to accomplish as dean of the School of Social Work?
First of all, I want to focus on ensuring the school achieves its 2014 reaccreditation. It is important that we as a School are ready to meet the requirements for reaccreditation, assuring our students and alums have a fully accredited program which they can have pride in supporting going forward.

Also in 2014, we need to make sure the School is well positioned to reflect on and celebrate its 100th anniversary as a school of social work in Chicago. Those are two key and immediate goals, but there will be other projects within each and new initiatives as I learn more about Loyola, the School of Social Work, and our amazing faculty, staff, students, and alums.

Tell me about your hobbies and interests outside of work.
I love to travel, both domestically and internationally. Countries of particular interest include Italy and France. I recently traveled to Tunisia, Egypt, and Nigeria as well. In those travels, I enjoy capturing photos and meeting locals to develop a strong sense of culture and the ways in which people organize their lives.