Office of the Dean
350 W. Woodrow Wilson
Suite 301
Jackson, MS  39213-7681
Phone:    601-979-8836
Fax No.:  601-979-8837

Biographical Sketch

Gwendolyn Spencer Prater, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Dean, College of Public Service
Professor in the School of Social Work
 and Department of Behavioral and Environmetal Health
Jackson State University (JSU)

Gwendolyn Spencer Prater received a B.A. in Sociology from Tougaloo College, an MSW from the Ohio State University, and a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Southern California (USC) with a concentration in Behavioral Science Theory and Social Work Practice.  Dr. Prater has been a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Social Work Education by the National Association of Social Workers; the W. June Simmons Distinguished Alumna Award from her alma mater, USC; and the $2 million Grantmanship Award from JSU.  She also serves on the U.S. Government Accountability Office Educator's Advisory Panel and other advisory and editorial boards across the nation.  Dr. Prater was the Founding Dean of the School of Social Work, and is presently serving as the Founding Dean of the College of Public Service at JSU incorporating the Schools of Social Work, Health Sciences, and Policy and Planning.  Her areas of interest and scholarly publications include health/mental health, child/family welfare, and international social welfare.  Dr. Prater is widely traveled across the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.