Associate Professor Warren Galbreath named interim chair of Ohio University’s Department of Social Work

Ohio University has appointed Warren Galbreath, an associate professor of social work at the Eastern campus, as interim chair of the Department of Social Work in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

Galbreath, a distinguished educator recognized in 2024 with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, has served Ohio University since 2000, most recently as associate professor of social work and Bachelor of Social Work regional campus program coordinator. Over more than two decades, he has expanded access to social work education across Ohio University’s regional campuses, including bringing the Bachelor of Social Work degree to OHIO Eastern.

As interim chair, Galbreath will oversee all operations of the department, including faculty and staff development, budget management, curriculum advancement and program innovation. He will also serve as a member of the College of Health Sciences and Professions Academic Leadership Council, promoting collaboration within and beyond the university.

“Warren Galbreath was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter,” said John McCarthy, dean of the College of Health of Health Sciences and Professions. “I’m extremely grateful for someone who has already had an incredible career of service to the field and the university to fill a leadership role this year and help us identify the next chair of Social Work.”

“Dr. Galbreath’s dedication to social work education and his longstanding commitment to our regional campuses make him an ideal choice for this interim leadership role,” said Lewatis McNeal, Ohio University vice provost for regional higher education and partnerships. “We are excited for a faculty member from a regional campus to lead a university-wide department, and his appointment highlights the strength and expertise of our regional campus faculty. His vision and experience will help strengthen the department and support students across the university.”

“As a long-standing colleague of Warren’s, I could not be more pleased that he has been selected as the interim chair of the Department of Social Work,” said Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and community relations at OHIO Eastern. “He has the knowledge, experience, and skills required to successfully navigate the many challenges required to lead an academic department. The Department of Social Work is in good hands with Dr. Galbreath at the helm.”

This is a significant achievement not only for Galbreath, who has been instrumental in expanding social work education at OHIO Eastern and across the regional campus system, but also for the University as a whole, as it is rare for a faculty member from a regional campus to be appointed to a leadership role that oversees a department across all of Ohio University’s campuses.

Students and faculty often affectionately refer to him as “Dr. G,” noting how his real-world experience in child welfare and social justice advocacy inspires commitment and compassion in the classroom. In addition to his new leadership role, Professor Galbreath continues to teach courses, guiding students with a blend of professional expertise and academic mentorship. Through his efforts, Ohio University’s social work programs now span multiple campuses, allowing students across the region to pursue social work degrees close to home.

Galbreath will serve in the interim role for the 2025–26 academic year while the University conducts a search for the department’s next permanent chair.