Dr. Kirk Foster is the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the College of Social Work. He has been active in diversity work around the University of South Carolina since he arrived on campus in August 2011.

Dr. Foster was the faculty advisor for the university’s LGBTQ student group, was instrumental in developing the Plus One policy which opened the door for limited same-gender benefits at the university, and has played a leadership role in the LGBTQ faculty-staff caucus. He has served on the President’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council for several years and recently joined the Council for Academic Diversity Officers’ leadership team, thus helping shape D&I efforts and policy across campus. Much of Dr. Foster’s research has focused on issues of social justice and equity among residents of urban African American neighborhoods.