By Rebecca Flannery
Staff Writer

Dr. Diana Garland’s leadership and service throughout her many years serving the School of Social Work has prompted a name change in her honor.

Baylor’s Board of Regents announced Friday at the School of Social Work family dinner that the school’s name will be changed to the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

“The board’s decision to name the School of Social Work in Dr. Garland’s honor is a way to extend our profound thanks and appreciation for her years of service;,but it’s also a way we can show future generations of Baylor Social Work students that they have a place to come and learn and make a difference because Dr. Garland chose to devote her life’s work to their continued success,” said  Richard Willis, chair of the board of regents, spoke about the board’s decision.

Over her 10 years as the inaugural dean of the School of Social Work, and her years prior working in the department, Garland had an enormous impact on those she serves and serves with.

Dr. David Pooler, associate dean for baccalaureate studies in the School of Social Work, said the name change to the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is as fitting a name change as there could possibly be.

“The Baylor School of Social Work as it exists today has been so indelibly marked and shaped by Diana Garland’s powerful leadership over the past 15 years,” Pooler said. “It is the perfect way to acknowledge her contributions.”

Garland is stepping down from her position as dean for health reasons, and will take a research sabbatical in the fall before returning to the faculty for the spring 2016 semester. The university named Dr. Jon Singletary as interim dean.

Online, the School of Social Work has already changed its name to the new moniker. Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications, said as far as deciding when signage will change on the doors of the school and on the campus map, the discussions will most likely take place this summer.

Dr. James Ellor, professor of social work, said Garland has left a significant mark on the school.

“Dr. Garland has been a strong proponent of social work both at Baylor and in the various national venues in the field,” Ellor said. “Our faculty is grateful for her important leadership.”