Darrell P. Wheeler, PhD, MPH, ACSW is dean of the School of Social Welfare and Vice President for Public Engagement at the University at Albany SUNY. From 2016-17 he served as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (University at Albany SUNY). Previously he was Dean School of Social Work Loyola University Chicago. Wheeler has also held academic positions at Hunter College, Columbia University, and the University of North Carolina – Greensboro.
He is an educator and researcher on HIV prevention and intervention in the African-American gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. His work has been funded by key health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recent research studies include HPTN073 protocol chair; co-chair for HPTN061 (NIH sponsored) and Principal Investigator for B-ME (CDC sponsored). His work has demonstrated a deep understanding of social work practice methods and the social work community. Wheeler has used research to advance the use of data and evidence in developing innovative programs and policy initiatives.
He served as Vice Chair of the US Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (2016-17) and was the President of the US Board of the National Association of Social Workers 2014-2017. He has also served on the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council. In 2015, he was named among the 30 most influential social workers alive today.
Wheeler earned his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1992, a master’s degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh in 1990, a master in social work from Howard University in 1988, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Cornell College in 1981.
