Jeffry Thigpen has accepted the position of interim dean of the IU School of Social Work, IUPUI Interim Chancellor Andrew Klein has announced.

Thigpen joined the faculty at IUPUI in 2005. He is an associate professor and currently serves as the school’s interim associate dean for academic affairs. Previous leadership appointments include senior director of the Master of Social Work program and senior director of the Bachelor of Social Work program.

“Dr. Thigpen’s history of excellence in leadership, research and teaching positions him very well to take on this role,” Klein said. “His commitment to diversity, inclusion and community collaboration will allow him to continue to strengthen the relationships that the School of Social Work must maintain with local, state and national agencies dedicated to improving the well-being of our society.”

“I am honored to be named to the position, and I look forward to serving our talented and dedicated faculty, staff and students as interim dean,” Thigpen said.

He will succeed Tamara Davis, who will step down as dean on July 31, after serving in the role since 2018.

His appointment is effective Aug. 1.