Nancy J. Smyth Named Dean of UB School of Social Work

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The appointment of Nancy J. Smyth as dean of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work was announced today by UB President John B. Simpson.

Smyth, a researcher whose expertise is in the areas of coexisting psychiatric and substance-abuse disorders and the impact of alcohol/drug problems and childhood and adult victimization on women's parenting, has been interim dean of the School of Social work since Aug. 1 and previously served as associate dean.

Her appointment is effective immediately.

"Professor Smyth's distinguished work within the School of Social Work, both as a faculty member and administrator," Simpson said, "has contributed in substantial and vital ways to that school's steadily growing reputation for integrating research excellence with social leadership."

Simpson said that thanks to Smyth's leadership, the School of Social Work has "come to exemplify UB's mission to translate research and scholarly excellence into significant, long-term impact on the larger communities served by the university."

Satish K. Tripathi, UB provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, joined Simpson in praising Smyth, noting that he is confident that under her leadership, the school will continue to advance the body of research in the field, provide exemplary educational experiences to its students and translate scholarship to benefit the public.

"Professor Smyth's work -- whether in her role as teacher, researcher, clinician, or leader -- always has been marked by excellence and the University at Buffalo community is very fortunate to have her as the new dean of the School of Social Work," Tripathi added.

"With Professor Smyth's appointment carrying the full support of the Social Work faculty, I have every expectation that the school will continue making significant strides toward national prominence."

Smyth, an associate professor, joined the faculty of the UB School of Social Work in 1991, the same year she was named an associate research scientist in UB's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA).

She was the school's associate dean for academic affairs from 1998-2001. In 2002, Smyth received a University at Buffalo Sustained Achievement in Research Award.

She has served as chair of the M.S.W. concentration in alcohol and other drug problems in the School of Social Work, teaching courses on addictions, assessment and treatment with persons with dual disorders and innovative treatment method for trauma called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Smyth also has a private practice as a clinical social worker with Ken Bath, Ph.D. & Associates, where she specializes in treating adult survivors of childhood trauma, anxiety disorders and addictions.

Smyth has worked in mental-health and addiction-treatment settings for more than 25 years as a clinician, manager, educator, researcher and program director. The author of many articles in refereed journals and book chapters related to substance abuse and mental-health problems, she has provided training and consultation to professionals in various disciplines on a wide range of topics.

She is a board-certified expert in the area of traumatic stress, a certified EMDR practitioner and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research and the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions.

Smyth earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University at Albany.

She is a resident of North Buffalo.