Savannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kiana Dibo-Armstrong as the chair of the Department of Social Work. A tenured associate professor, Dibo-Armstrong has served as practicum field director for SSU bachelor’s and master’s programs in social work for the past five years.

“Dr. Dibo-Armstrong has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to our students and the broader social work discipline," said Dr. Teresa Shakespeare, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, “Her deep expertise, proven track record in field education, and commitment to academic excellence make her exceptionally qualified to lead the department into its next chapter.”

Before arriving at Savannah State, Dibo-Armstrong served as field education director at Colorado Mesa University, Southern Arkansas University, and Alabama State University.

Throughout her career, Dibo-Armstrong has demonstrated sustained leadership and professional service at the local, state, and national levels within the social work profession. Her leadership experience includes serving as a regional representative for the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and as chair of special committees for the Colorado Chapter of NASW.

She has also contributed to national task forces convened by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and served as a licensure standards reviewer for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Additionally, Dibo-Armstrong completed two consecutive three-year dual appointments with CSWE. During the latter appointment, she served as chair of the Council on Field Education and as a commissioner on the Commission on Educational Policy. In 2024, she was appointed to the role of Associate Editor of the Journal of Social Work in Public Health.

Her professional and academic contributions have been recognized through commendations from a former department chair for exemplary leadership, as well as awards and certificates presented by students in recognition of her service, mentorship, and commitment to Black excellence. Dr. Dibo-Armstrong’s scholarly agenda examines incivility in academic, mental health, and public health settings, with particular attention to the prevalence and impact of microaggressions and macroaggressions.

“As a tenured associate professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Savannah State University, I remain committed to fully supporting our students, advancing leadership in higher education, contributing to the social work profession through community engagement, and expanding my scholarly contributions through academic publication,” said Dibo-Armstrong.

Dibo-Armstrong holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky, a master’s in social work from the University of Alabama, and a bachelor's degree in social work from Alabama State University.