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Hernandez returns as associate dean for advancement

A familiar face is returning to the School of Social Work. Mary Beth Hernandez has accepted the position of associate dean for advancement, a role she previously served in for 15 years.

“I’m thrilled to be back at the School and continue to be inspired by the work of our students and faculty,” Hernandez said. “It’s a wonderful place to be.”

Hernandez left the School in 2015 to serve as chief executive officer of Camp Corral, a national nonprofit that provides free summer camp experiences to children of wounded, disabled or fallen veterans. She returned to Tate Turner Kuralt this summer to serve as interim associate dean following the departure of Jackie Pierce. Pierce left in August to accept the position of senior philanthropy officer at the Rex Healthcare Foundation in Raleigh.

Hernandez, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Davidson and Master of Arts degree from UNC, has spent years in the nonprofit management and fundraising sectors, including in corporate communications at Blue Cross and Blue Shield and with Glaxo SmithKline.

She returns to the School of Social Work as the University launches an ambitious five-year multi-billion fundraising campaign. As part of this historic campaign, the School of Social Work’s goal will be to raise a record $23 million. Hernandez will be vital to the School’s continued advancement success, said Dean Gary L. Bowen.

“With Mary Beth’s leadership, I am confident that we will not only meet but will exceed our targeted goal,” Bowen said.