Interim Associate Dean for Academic Strategies
Director, RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service
University Distinguished Professor
Fellow to the Sid Richardson Chair of Public Affairs
LBJ School of Public Affairs
David W. Springer is the Director of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, a University Distinguished Teaching Professor, and a Fellow to the Sid Richardson Chair of Public Affairs in the LBJ School of Public Affairs. After receiving his Ph.D. in social work from Florida State University, he joined the faculty at UT Austin in 1997. Professor Springer began his professional career as a clinical social worker, providing direct clinical mental health and substance abuse services to adolescents and their families in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings.
Today, his research and teaching coalesce around effective leadership, nonprofits and systems to strengthen communities, especially at the intersection of juvenile justice and positive youth development. His work spans across direct practice, policy practice, community building, nonprofit management, system reform, research, and leadership.