Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusive Programs

DeBrenna Agbenyiga
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusive Programs
Assistant Professor, Social Work

DeBrenna Agbenyiga is the assistant dean for diversity and inclusive programs in the College of Social Science and assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University (MSU). Her work includes chairing the college’s Diversity Task Force and overseeing the recruitment of a diverse student population into the college’s graduate programs.

Dr. Agbenyiga’s teaching and research interests focus on children, women, and organizational culture, and community and economic development. She has field research experience in West Africa, with specific focus in Ghana and Togo. Most recently, she conducted a cross-cultural comparative analysis of the impact societal and cultural patterns have on services provided to children in permanent foster care in Togo, West Africa. She has presented her work on issues relating to kinship care and adoption to policymakers, attorneys, and caseworkers.

Dr. Agbenyiga has served as a consultant to the Ghanaian Labor Department (Child Labor Unit) and the Osu Children’s Home in Ghana in addition to local school districts and nonprofit organizations. She holds an M.S.W. and Ph.D. in social work from MSU.

Contact information:

DeBrenna Agbenyiga
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusive Programs
College of Social Science
254 Baker Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Telephone: (517) 432-4459
agbenyi1@msu.edu