This honor recognizes Dr. Barth’s decades-long leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing social work and public service.
Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, former dean and esteemed faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), has been named a Distinguished University Professor — the highest faculty honor awarded by the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
This honor recognizes Barth’s decades-long leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing social work and public service. Barth joined UMB in 2006 as dean of UMSSW, serving in that role until 2020. Under his leadership, the school was recognized widely for its pioneering research, as well as programs in child welfare and behavioral health. He has continued to shape the field as a faculty member, mentor, and thought leader.
“UMB has been exceptionally supportive of my scholarship, which has continued to improve, during my nearly 20 years, here, as I learn from colleagues across all the schools,” Barth said. “I am grateful for UMB’s ongoing support of clinical and translational research that does the vital work of putting our best ideas for lifting up humanity against the downward spiraling forces around us. I am confident that I have helped create safer children, healthier families, and a stronger society and look forward to continuing that work under this august title.”
An internationally renowned scholar, Barth has authored more than 300 publications and led foundational work in child welfare policy, evidence-based practice, and social work education. He is the founding chair of the Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative and a past president of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. He is the most cited scholar in social work with more than 30,000 citations placing him in the top 1 percent of all scientists.
“Dr. Barth’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the field of social work have left an indelible mark on our school, the profession, and the countless lives touched by his work,” said Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, dean and professor of UMSSW. “We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor.”
In announcing the fifth cohort of Distinguished University Professors, UMB President Bruce Jarrell and Provost and Executive Vice President Roger Ward said: “We are extremely proud of the exceptional and transformational contributions each of these faculty members has made in support of UMB’s mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good. They are excellent examples of living UMB’s core values, and it is our honor to call them colleagues.”