Academic Leadership At A Glance

Faculty of Social Work

Ellen Perrault

Dean of Social Work

Ellen Perrault

The Dean provides strategic leadership for the Faculty of Social Work, advancing its vision of wellbeing, sustainability, and social justice through excellence in education, research, and community engagement. As the faculty's chief advocate and ambassador, the Dean fosters collaborative partnerships and supports the creation of transformative social work knowledge and practice at local and global levels.


Senior Associate Dean and Associate Deans

Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, Gail Zuk

Senior Associate Dean

Gail Zuk 

The Senior Associate Dean provides academic and operational leadership across the Faculty of Social Work, helping advance strategic priorities in education, research, community engagement, equity, and inclusion. Working closely with faculty leaders, staff, and community partners, the Senior Associate Dean supports collaboration across campuses and programs while fostering excellence, innovation, and accountability in support of the faculty's vision and mission.

Jessica Ayala

Associate Dean, Academic

Jessica Ayala 

The Associate Dean, Academic provides leadership for teaching, learning, and academic programming across the faculty's undergraduate and graduate programs. Guided by a commitment to educational excellence, equity, and student success, the Associate Dean supports curriculum development, teaching innovation, and high-quality learning experiences across all campuses and online environments.

Cari Gulbrandsen

Associate Dean, Undergraduate

Cari Gulbrandsen

The Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs leads the development, quality, and continuous improvement of the faculty's undergraduate programs. Working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners, the Associate Dean supports student success, curriculum innovation, and meaningful learning experiences that prepare social workers to create positive change.

Anne Marie McLaughlin

Associate Dean, Graduate

Anne-Marie McLaughlin

The Associate Dean, Graduate Programs provides leadership for the faculty's master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs, ensuring academic quality, student success, and a supportive graduate learning environment. Through collaboration with students, faculty, and university partners, the Associate Dean advances graduate education, scholarly excellence, and the development of leaders in social work research, education, and practice.

David Nicholas

Associate Dean, Research and Partnerships

David Nicholas

The Associate Dean, Research and Partnerships advances the faculty's research agenda and fosters partnerships that strengthen social work knowledge, innovation, and impact. By supporting researchers, cultivating collaborative relationships, and promoting knowledge engagement, the Associate Dean helps create meaningful connections between research, practice, policy, and communities locally and globally.