Phylis Lan Lin

Phylis Lan Lin, Ph.D., is the founder of the Department of Social Work at the University of Indianapolis, established in the 1990s. In 2023, this department merged with the Department of Counseling to form the Phylis Lan Lin School of Social Work & Counseling, part of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Her work emphasizes advocacy for vulnerable populations, social justice, and addressing systemic inequities. The school now offers programs in social work and counseling, focusing on mental health, addiction recovery, and community well-being.

Dr. Lin's vision prioritizes collaboration, ethical practice, and culturally informed solutions to societal challenges. She played a key role in establishing the Community Behavioral Health Academy with Community Health Network, which trains clinicians to address Indiana's growing need for behavioral health professionals specializing in substance use disorders. This initiative provides students with specialized curricula, paid practicums, and career pathways.

Her contributions have shaped the university's commitment to preparing practitioners who advance human rights and environmental justice while serving marginalized communities. The academy, supported by grants from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, reflects her legacy of bridging academic training with real-world impact.