Ruth Supranovich is the associate dean of community and clinical programs, overseeing all practicum related activities for both the on-campus and online Master of Social Work programs, as well as the school's Telebehavioral Health Clinic and Trauma Recovery Center.
Professor Supranovich joined the school in 2012 and since that time, she has taught numerous courses (e.g. practicum seminars, leadership, human behavior, and elective courses) and served in leadership positions, including director of the San Diego Academic Center, and oversight of student learning outcomes.
Professor Supranovich has more than 25 years of social work experience in child maltreatment and family violence. She has worked as a case manager, clinician and manager/administrator serving families impacted by child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and exposure to family and community violence. Prior to her USC appointment, Professor Supranovich was an assistant deputy director for San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency where she oversaw the child welfare, public health and public assistance programs in the North Coastal and Inland regions of San Diego County.
As the manager and then administrator of the San Diego County Indian Specialty Unit for several years, Professor Supranovich became very involved in working with the tribal community in San Diego to address the disproportionate number of Native American children in the child welfare system. She brought this experience to USC, where she has collaborated with Dr. Claradina Soto (Navajo/Pueblo) from the Keck School of Preventive Medicine to co-teach an elective course on working with Native American children, families, and communities.  They also co-wrote a book chapter in 2019 titled "The Women of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation: Portrayals of Historical Trauma and Healing." Professor Supranovich completed a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership in Education in 2019, and her dissertation research focused on the under-representation of Native Americans in social work education.
Professor Supranovich's career and professional interests span both clinical and administrative work, culminating in the publication of a book in 2020 with her colleague Rick Newmyer titled "Bringing Micro to the Macro: Adapting Clinical Interventions for Supervision and Management."
Professor Supranovich is a 2nd generation social worker, having been raised in England by two social workers who exposed her to the values of the profession and importance of social justice.