Meet the Dean

Welcome to the Mandel School

I am thrilled to welcome you to the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. As a first-generation college and graduate student on my way to becoming a psychologist, I happily stumbled across the profession of social work. I am inspired that your own personal journey has brought you to this gratifying profession. 

As a top-ranked program in education and research, we train students to be critically-equipped in social work and nonprofit leadership in order to promote equity, innovation and transformation. Here you will develop skills that other generations of students could not even envision. Consequently, you will be more prepared to work respectfully and effectively alongside individuals, families, communities and organizations to foster more inclusive and healthier communities. 

In 2024, we received a generous $5 million five-year grant in expendable funds from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation to support student scholarships. More than 38% of our students self-identify as under-represented minorities and in the past year, we have seen a 400% increase in demand for our MSW program from international students representing 33 countries.

Our world-class faculty and nine centers value teaching, training and research. We offer MSW students four flexible program formats with several specialized paths of study and certificate options.

Case Western Reserve is located in one of the country's highest clusters of medical systems and nonprofit sectors, creating 1,000 practicum opportunities for students interested in promoting social change across a broad spectrum of human conditions. We are eager to connect you to our exceptional change leaders and our committed 9,000+ alumni network.

On behalf of our Mandel community, I invite you to join us.

Best regards,
Dexter R. Voisin, PhD, LCSW
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Dean in Applied Social Sciences