Social work faculty earn promotions for 2026-27 year

By Matthew Biddle

Published August 24, 2026

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As a new academic year begins, the University at Buffalo School of Social Work is celebrating the promotions of four faculty members: Annahita Ball, Clara M. Bradizza, Jangmin Kim and Michael Lynch.

Associate Professor Annahita Ball, PhD, has been named interim associate dean for academic affairs for the 2026-27 academic year. Among other duties, Ball promotes academic excellence across the school and ensures policies and procedures are consistent across programs. She also oversees the school’s innovative academic initiatives, including its dual degree programs, interprofessional education and micro-credentials. Ball takes over the position from Patricia Logan-Greene, who left UB in August for a new role at Rutgers University School of Social Work.

Ball first joined UB in 2014. An expert on school social work and school-based mental health services, Ball studies how schools, families and communities can partner to provide meaningful services that foster positive youth development and promote equity in education.

Clara M. Bradizza, PhD, professor in the School of Social Work, has been appointed interim associate dean for research and director of the Buffalo Center for Social Research. Professor Catherine Dulmus stepped down from both roles this summer after 20 years of service.

A renowned scientist in the field of addictions research, Bradizza has been awarded more than $22 million in research grants from the National Institutes of Health throughout her career. With research spanning alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, Bradizza aims to translate her work into effective treatments for underserved individuals; within the School of Social Work, she serves as director of the Behavioral Health Clinic to do just that.

Jangmin Kim, PhD, has been promoted to associate professor in the School of Social Work, effective Sept. 1.

With a PhD in social work from Indiana University, Kim joined UB in 2022 from Texas State University. Kim’s research tends to focus on leadership and management in child welfare agencies and other human service organizations. Recent projects have contributed to strengthening occupational health and well-being among child welfare workers, developing trauma-informed organizations, and promoting organizational justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Finally, Michael Lynch, LMSW, clinical associate professor, has been named director of practicum education for the School of Social Work. His predecessor, Associate Professor Katie C. Stalker, stepped down from the position ahead of the academic year.

A School of Social Work alumnus, Lynch joined the faculty in 2017, after previously engaging with UB as a community-based faculty liaison and practicum educator while working for Say Yes Buffalo. Among other responsibilities, Lynch co-leads the Social Impact Fellows program, which brings together graduate students from four UB schools to solve problems within local nonprofits. His research interests include technology and AI in social work, practicum education and social innovation.

Media Contact Information

Matthew Biddle
Director of Communications and Marketing
School of Social Work
Tel: 716-645-1226
mrbiddle@buffalo.edu

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