Faculty

Christen has worked for the Baylor School of Social Work since 2008. Her social work practice experience includes interventional work within child welfare agencies in Texas.

Carrie Arroyo is a full-time lecturer at the Baylor University School of Social Work, and her practice experience is in the field of school social work.

Dr. Boddie’s research explores congregation-based social services, trends in faith-based initiatives and social entrepreneurial approaches to address disparities in wealth, health and food insecurity. 

Dr. Dickey’s international social work relationships have forged her deep conviction that international leaders have the unique capacity to transform their communities.

Dr. Preston Dyer is the founding chair of the Baylor School of Social Work. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Dyer was a clinical social worker practicing in mental health. 

Dr. James Ellor works with older adults around issues of mental and spiritual health. He has provided education, counseling and planning for those who work with seniors.

Meet the Associate Dean of Community and Action for the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor.

Dr. Jinyu Liu’s research focuses on mental health of older adults and caregivers with a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and community engagement. She has led the development and evaluation of a peer mentoring intervention for Chinese American dementia caregivers using a community-based participatory research approach, and has explored the nuanced stress, resilience, and service use among this population. Her broader research examines the influence of social environment, early-life experiences, and grief on cognitive and mental health in later life, aiming to inform culturally grounded interventions and policies that promote well-being and quality of life. 

Dennis Myers, Ph.D., M.S.S.W, L.C.S.W. Emeritus Professor and Endowed Danny and Lenn Prince Chair. Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, University Outstanding Teacher, and Association of Gerontology in Higher Education Distinguished Teacher. First appointment in social work education was as the Director of the Baccalaureate program. Served as Director and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies for ten years. Principal or co-principal investigator for over $1,500,000 grant funding. Currently engages in research, educational programs, congregational care models, community planning, and evidence-informed interventions to strengthen the care environments and enrich the lives of persons experiencing longevity. Authored or co-authored 80 journal articles and chapters contributing to social work practice, military and first-responder family life, at-risk persons experiencing longevity, persons living with dementia, educational gerontology, leadership and social work engagement in senior living environments, adult caregiving, productive aging, technology and caregiving, and faith-based community services

Sarah Ritter is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Social Work. She received her BA in Social Work from Baylor University and an MSW from Temple University (2003, 2004). After graduating, Sarah worked with formerly homeless adults with serious mental illnesses. She then went on to work for the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University focusing on individuals with serious mental illness who intersect with the criminal justice system.

One arm of Dr. Rob Rogers' research examines the role of spirituality and religious practice in professional leadership within senior living contexts. One of his recent studies explored how experienced senior living leaders (SLLs) integrate spirituality into their roles, drawing on in-depth interviews with SLLs across public, non-profit, and for-profit skilled care settings, with an emphasis on for-profit facilities. Using thematic analysis, his research identified three key themes—Frame, Role Performance, and Benefits— highlighting how spiritual beliefs shape leadership approaches, administrative practices, and the perceived rewards of work.

Meet Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore Byrd, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Garland School of Social Work.

Melody York Zuniga joined the faculty full time in June 2009 and is a Clinical Professor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.