The UCF School of Social Work has appointed Shawn Lawrence as its new director. Lawrence, a professor and licensed clinical social worker, has served as interim director since July 2024. She brings more than two decades of teaching, research and program development experience at UCF to the role, including previous service as program director for UCF’s top-ranked Master of Social Work program where she led the creation of the online MSW degree.
“I’m confident Director Lawrence will continue to collaborate closely with our talented faculty and staff, not just to advance the school’s mission, but to seek out new, innovative, and impactful ways to better prepare our graduates and support our communities,” says Matthew Theriot, dean of the College of Health Professions and Sciences.
“I envision the School of Social Work as a leader in innovation, influence and workforce preparation,” Lawrence says. “By strengthening student success, expanding research, and deepening interdisciplinary collaboration, we will enhance our responsiveness to emerging social challenges and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving field.”
Located in the College of Health Professions and Sciences, the School of Social Work has 43 faculty and staff and an enrollment of more than 700 students. The school offers accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, including a popular Online MSW program, as well as a minor in aging studies, and four certificates. Students have access to internship opportunities at 850 non-profit, government, healthcare, and educational facilities across the nation. The school is also home to the Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training, a research institute.
Lawrence’s research interests center around behavioral health, addictions, and social work education. She has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, contributed multiple textbook chapters and co-authored the textbook Psychosocial Pathology for Social Workers.
Her clinical experience spans 15 years of providing individual, family and group counseling for children, families, adolescents and adults,
A dedicated educator, Lawrence has received multiple UCF teaching honors, including the Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award.
Lawrence earned her bachelor’s, MSW and Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo.
