Rate My Professor Diana Rowan

Diana Rowan, PhD, MSW, LCSW, serves as Professor and Director of the School of Social Work within the College of Health and Human Services at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a position she has held since joining the institution in 2007. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Science in Recombinant Gene Technology from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, Dr. Rowan's research interests encompass social work with HIV and AIDS, international social work with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, HIV prevention strategies in African American communities, engaged research within the House/Ball community using participant-driven and community-based participatory approaches, social work in sports, and the mental health consequences of concussions. She has secured substantial funding for her work, including a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Minority AIDS Research Initiative.

Throughout her career, Dr. Rowan has advanced social work education and practice through innovative pedagogy, such as designing and leading a faculty-led study abroad program in Malawi, southeastern Africa. Her scholarly output is extensive, featuring the authored textbook Social Work with HIV and AIDS: A Case-Based Guide (Lyceum Books, 2013), which provides case-based insights into HIV/AIDS social work practice. Notable peer-reviewed publications include "Using video as pedagogy for globally connected learning about the HIV/AIDS pandemic" (Journal of Social Work Education, 2013), "Health care experiences of members of the house/ball culture" (Journal of Social Work in Health Care, 2014), "Identity and self-presentation in the house/ball community: A primer for social workers" (Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 2013), and earlier works like "Social work practice with Latinos with HIV/AIDS" (Advances in Social Work, 2008). She has also contributed to textbooks such as An Experiential Approach to Group Work (Lyceum Books, 2008, 2014). Dr. Rowan has been recognized with the International Faculty of the Year Award (UNC Charlotte, 2012), Graduate Teaching Excellence Award (College of Health and Human Services, 2012), and Excellence in Promoting Diversity Award (College of Health and Human Services, 2014). Her work influences social work education, HIV/AIDS intervention, and global health equity.