Dr. Yolanda Padilla

Biography

Yolanda C. Padilla is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and a Centennial Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's School of Social Work. With a rich background in social work and sociology, Padilla earned her joint doctoral degree from the University of Michigan, where she focused on classical sociology and demography. Her career is marked by significant contributions to research on poverty and the subsequent development of effective social welfare policies. As a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research, she has received the Outstanding Research Award for her work on the earnings potential of Mexican immigrants. Padilla’s research emphasizes child health and development within low-income families and her teaching encompasses undergraduate and graduate courses in social problems and welfare policy. She has also developed innovative interdisciplinary courses to foster critical thinking among students. Over the years, Padilla has secured substantial research funding, including $1.5 million from the National Institutes of Health and various foundations. She is a vital member of national research networks addressing the complexities of urban poverty and social policy.

Research Interests