Naelys Luna was named the founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University. The College of Social Work and Criminal Justice encompasses the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The College offers one doctoral, two master’s, and two undergraduate degree programs. The college also houses a number of research and service centers, including the Child Welfare Institute, the Healthy Aging Academy, and the Robin Rubin Center for Happiness and Life Enhancement.
“I am very excited to lead FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice,” said Dr. Luna. “I look forward to working with an exceptional team who inspire and prepare tomorrow’s social work and criminal justice leaders, scholars, practitioners and policymakers to effect positive change in the world. We will continue the work already underway at the College to elevate our research and scholarship excellence and innovation; introduce instructional synergy and curricula development with a student-oriented focus; build and maintain a strong culture of positivity and high morale, and enhance our development and fundraising efforts.”
Dr. Luna has been serving as interim dean since July 2019 and previously was a professor of social work at the university. Her research focuses on substance use disorders, mood disorders, spirituality, parental roles, mental health outcomes in minorities, and psychosocial functioning.
Dean Luna is a graduate of Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She holds a master of social work degree and a Ph.D. from Fordham University in New York.