Mary McKay

Mary McKay is a Professor at the Brown School of Washington University in St. Louis, serving as Executive Vice Provost since 2024. Formerly Dean of the Brown School (2016–2022), Vice Provost of Interdisciplinary Initiatives (2021–2022), and McSilver Professor at New York University, she bridges social work and public health. Her work focuses on child mental health, HIV/AIDS prevention, poverty policy, and community health systems.

• Educations: PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago

Her research spans mental health services for marginalized youth, HIV prevention in urban and Sub-Saharan contexts, and public health interventions addressing poverty. She emphasizes implementation science and community-based approaches.

Recent articles highlight her leadership in global health grants, interdisciplinary initiatives, and structural equity efforts. Themes include refugee youth research, Black economic mobility, and HIV interventions in Uganda.

• McSilver Professor of Social Work
• SSWR Fellow (2025)
• $5 Million NIH Grant for Global Health Research (2022)

Mary McKay mentors researchers via the International Center for Child Health and Development and leads WashU’s interdisciplinary grants, including NIH-funded programs. She collaborates with the STL Mayor’s Office on public safety reforms and champions curriculum innovation through initiatives like the Open Classroom.