Ronald O. Pitner

Ronald O. Pitner is Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a PhD in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MSW from University of Michigan, and a BA in Psychology from Lee University. His research examines social determinants of health, neighborhood violence, youth civic engagement, and anti-oppressive social work practices.

His scholarly work addresses racial disparities in mental health outcomes and community safety interventions. Recent publications analyze trauma responses to police violence and discrimination-related stress pathways.

He serves on the Board of Trustees for Sisters of Charity Foundation and teaches courses in research methods, diversity, and global social welfare. He currently advises six graduate students on research related to social justice and community health equity.