Aug 7, 2023 By: HEisenman
In July, Yeshiva University (YU) announced the appointment of Dr. Randy Magen as Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, effective immediately. He replaces Dr. Ronnie Glassman, who has served as the Interim Dean of Wurzweiler for the past 20 months.
Dr. Magen received a Doctorate in Social Welfare and a Master’s Degree of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Social Work and brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education, community leadership and social work. Most recently, Dr. Magen served as Director of the School of Social Work at Boise State University in Idaho. Prior to that, Dr. Magen spent 17 years at the University of Alaska in Anchorage as a professor and Associate Dean of Curriculum.
“I am very honored and excited to be the next Dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work," said Dr. Randy Magen. “I look forward to working with the esteemed faculty, staff, and students at Yeshiva University to continue growing the quality of education, ensuring that our students are prepared for greater success and cultivating an environment of academic excellence and innovation.”
In his new role at YU, Dr. Magen will oversee all online and on-campus programs and will work with other Wurzweiler faculty members to emphasize academic excellence, strengthen community engagement, further research collaborations and motivate students to achieve greatness both in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Magen has held several roles with the Council on Social Work Education, including as an accreditation site visitor, an involved member of the Pacific Coast Anti-Defamation League, and President of Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage.
“Dr. Magen brings extensive experience in research, teaching and social work education to YU,” said Dr. Selma Botman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Yeshiva University. “Together with considerable knowledge, a new perspective, a deep respect for faculty, and a profound commitment to student success, he will lead the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and continue its growth and quality. A special thank you to Ronnie Glassman for her leadership and commitment to Wurzweiler during these past two years.”
With a legacy spanning more than six decades, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work has established itself as a trailblazer in social work education, driving meaningful impact on a global scale. Rooted in the values of cultural responsiveness, compassion, and care for others, the school has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with enrollment increasing by 300 percent since 2017. The school is home to talented faculty, accomplished practitioners, and skilled administrators. Moreover, the institution is committed to educating the next generation of social workers and empowering them to bring vital services and support to vulnerable populations, including Holocaust survivors, veterans, immigrant populations and at-risk youth.