Quenette L. Walton, LCSW, PhD, has been appointed Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at the Graduate College of Social Work and granted tenure, effective September 1, 2024.

Dr. Walton joined the Graduate College of Social Work faculty as an Assistant Professor in 2017, her promotion to Associate Professor will take effect September 1, 2024. With over 15 years of practice experience as a licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Walton possesses a rich background in school social work, child welfare, and community-based mental health. She has provided in-home individual and family therapy, as well as parent coaching services to children and families involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Notably, Dr. Walton is currently a Co-investigator on a National Science Foundation grant examining racism and nativity interact with SES, geographical location and health insurance ownership to influence the usage of obstetric care, risks in maternal deaths and morbidities in the United States and Texas (PI: N. Langa). She is also a Co-investigator on a $1.5 million dollar grant with Carla Sharp (PI) investigating parent-child relationships among Black women and their children affected by domestic violence.  Over the course of her career, she has been the recipient of several awards and has secured numerous grants from institutions such as the NIH and the Urban Institute.

In her new role as Associate Dean for Doctoral Education, Dr. Walton will guide GCSW doctoral students’ research development, administering and enhancing the doctoral program. Her responsibilities will include program leadership and management, student recruitment, retention and support, faculty collaboration, and policy development.

"Dr. Walton’s extensive experience as a researcher and licensed clinical social worker, combined with her academic expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team," shared Interim Dean Warrick.

We are enthusiastic about this transition and eagerly anticipate Dr. Walton’s continued contributions to the advancement of the Graduate College of Social Work’s doctoral program.