Phone: (316) 978-3087
brien.bolin@wichita.edu

Brien Bolin is the associate dean for student success and a professor of social work. He began his academic career teaching sociology at a faith-based liberal arts college. For the past 25 years, Bolin has devoted his career to teaching, student success and scholarship in the liberal arts tradition. His teaching analytic skills in research methods, theory and critical thought in human behavior courses is characterized by strong student support. His scholarship has focused on pedagogical techniques and curriculum in social work education. As an associate dean, student success will be the precursor of the position, promoting data-driven curricular decisions and student engagement.

Bolin’s academic career includes both administrative and academic positions. He has taught and conducted research in sociology and social work departments.  He has held several administrative posts at Wichita State University, first serving as the Masters of Social Work program coordinator, then as interim director of the Center for Teaching and Research Excellence, then as the Bachelors of Social Work program director, and then as the School of Social Work director for seven years. Bolin is a member of the Council on Social Work Education and has served as a site visitor for program accreditation for social work programs around the nation. He was also a Leadership Academic Fellow and an inaugural member of Pi Gamma Mu at Wichita State University. Further, Bolin has been awarded the Leadership in Advancement of Teaching Award at Wichita State University.

Bolin earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Oklahoma State University and a master’s in social work from Walla Walla College. He also earned a master's in sociology and a bachelor's in psychology from Oklahoma State University.