Dr. Sabrina Sullenberger has joined the Belmont University faculty as the new Chair of the Social Work Department in the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences.

“We’re so glad to welcome Dr. Sullenberger,” said Dr. Cathy Taylor, Dean of the College.  “Sabrina has a wealth of experience and qualifications for her new role, and a commitment to mentoring students in a Christian environment.  I look forward to working together in the days ahead.”

Dr. Sullenberger comes to Belmont from Indiana University where she was an associate professor and interim associate dean for the School of Social Work.  While at Indiana University, Dr. Sullenberger twice received the Trustee’s Teaching Award and was named as College Advisor of the Year by Best Buddies Indiana.

Dr. Sullenberger’s research interest and experience are in the areas of child welfare and poverty, and the role of the faith community in addressing social issues.  She is a contributor to several books, has had articles published in over a half dozen journals, and has presented numerous times at professional meetings for social workers and educators.  Her professional service includes consultation to Bloomington Hospital and the Indiana University Police Department, training Court Appointed Special Advocates for the Family Service Association, and serving on various community advising panels for housing, domestic violence, hunger and homelessness, and legislative advocacy.

Dr. Sullenberger earned her PhD in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds a MSW from the University of Tennessee and a BSW from the University of Memphis.  She has experience as a family counselor for Youth Villages and as a social worker for Mid-South Christian Nursing Home, both located in Memphis, TN.  She also served for two years as coordinator of the RISE Project at the University of Memphis which assists local schools in becoming an inclusive educational environment.