On Thursday, in a Massmail from the University, Benjamin Lough, current professor in Social Work, was selected to act as the next dean of the School of Social Work.

Lough’s appointment is currently pending approval from the Board of Trustees and will last for three years, beginning on Tuesday. 

Lough received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees of social work degrees from Brigham Young University and his doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Before his arrival at the University, Lough worked as a senior researcher for United Nations Volunteers in Bonn, Germany. He also consulted for the Government of American Samoa’s Department of Human and Social Services as well as for the United Nations Development Program. 

Lough joined the Illinois faculty in 2011 and has served as director of the master of Social Work program and worked in several research partnerships. He is the current director of Illinois Social Innovation, a campus-wide initiative that provides coursework to mobilize students for social innovation. 

Lough’s teaching interests center around social innovation, nonprofits and building communities. His research studies the practices of volunteer organizations that further community development and innovation.  

According to the Massmail, Lough’s “ Illinois experience, research interests and passion for public engagement will make him a strong next dean for the School of Social Work.” 

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