This Position Interests Me for Several Reasons. the School Is Located in an Urban Area

Jack Wall

This position interests me for several reasons. The school is located in an urban area and is actively engaged in addressing the economic and social problems commonly associated with large metropolitan areas. Such vibrancy provides students and faculty with many opportunities to study and research critical issues currently confronting American society, as well as actively assisting individuals, families, and communities to address many complex problems. This type of setting is ideal for me since my positions in higher education have been in Boston and presently in Chicago. In addition, the school is also committed to extending its programming to several parts of the state, including more rural areas; therefore, providing educational access to many students who might find it otherwise difficult to attend a master’s program.

The level of research activity related to the school and its interdisciplinary efforts is exemplary. It is a model that is well respected by other schools of social work across the country. It is impressive to read that the school accounts for 20% of the external funding awarded to the university as a whole. This is a strong foundation upon which to expand the efforts of the school to reach the goal of doubling the amount of grants awarded to it in the next five to seven years. Such an ambitious goal, clearly demonstrates the level of commitment that both the faculty at the school and the university has in furthering their research agenda.

The five strategic themes of the university are consonant with the goals of the school. It is evident that the School of Social Work will play an important role in achieving this strategic plan. From reading the school profile, one of the goals for the new dean is to provide leadership in renewing the vision, mission, and goals of the school. I find this challenge very exciting and I would enjoy engaging faculty and others in the process of conceptualizing and implementing new directions of the school. I successfully led the faculty at my school in establishing three institutes, more than tripling the scholarship of faculty in the past three years, increasing the submissions of grants, expanding the international programming of the school to several countries, and promoting the integration of technology into the classroom including development of online courses at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.

I am aware that the university and the school are committed to increasing their fund raising efforts. During the last six years I have raised over two million dollars for the school. In addition, I established an Advisory Council that has a development subcommittee, greatly expanded the Alumni Committee, and traveled extensively across the country to engage alumni and others in donating to the school.

In conclusion, the School of Social Work at Portland State University is well established and recognized as one of the top programs in the country. I believe that I can be a catalyst and successful leader in facilitating the school in achieving its new vision, mission, and goals.

Sincerely,

Jack C. Wall, Ph.D.