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Photo note: To download a photo of Dr. Richman, see the bottom of release.

UNC professor of social work named new dean of school

CHAPEL HILL -- Dr. Jack M. Richman, a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work since 1983, has been named dean of the school.

Richman’s appointment, effective Saturday (Oct. 12), was approved today (Oct. 11) by the UNC Board of Governors. Before the appointment, Richman had served as interim dean of the school and a professor teaching courses within the school’s master’s and doctoral programs.

"Dr. Richman has been affiliated with the School of Social Work for two decades, and in that time his insights have proven instrumental in the school’s ability to respond to the constantly changing dynamics of community life and modern-day pressures on human relationships," said UNC Chancellor James Moeser.

"He has the respect of his colleagues within the school, a detailed knowledge of our state’s social work network and the vision to further enhance this internationally recognized school’s ability to serve our state and beyond. Furthermore, his enthusiasm and commitment to the school’s mission inspire students and faculty."

At UNC, Richman will lead a graduate school offering master’s and doctoral degrees, with more than 85 tenure-track, clinical and research faculty members. The Jordan Institute for Families, established in 1996 with a private gift from UNC graduate Michael Jordan, is the school’s research, training and technical assistance arm.

In a typical semester, more than 200 School of Social Work students are placed in 125 different agencies throughout 23 North Carolina counties, representing a wide range of social work settings, with these placements contributing an estimated almost $1 million to these agencies.

Richman joined UNC in October 1983 as assistant dean and clinical assistant professor, becoming assistant professor in 1988, associate professor (tenured) in 1992 and then professor in 1998.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Richman has also held several administrative posts within the school, including chairman of the curriculum committee (1999-2002); co-director of the N.C. Family and Children’s Resource Program, a grant-funded program to assist family preservation and family centered services in the state (1992-1995); and assistant dean and director of admissions, financial aid and recruitment (1983-1988), among other administrative roles.

From 1977 through 1983, Richman was associate professor of social work at Nebraska Wesleyan University. In that position, he was the program director and taught courses related to children and families, aging, human behavior, social policy and other areas.

He has served as a consultant for organizations throughout the state, including Home Care of Central Carolina and Hospice, both of Greensboro; the Home Health Care Agency of Chapel Hill; and Triangle Hospice of Durham. His research has benefited the N.C. Department of Human Resources; Orange County, Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Durham school systems; and North Carolina Communities in Schools.

His honors have included multiple selections as a participant in the American Professional Partnership for Lithuanian Education, an international educational experience where the Lithuanian Ministries of Social Work and Education sponsored 30 U.S. educators in training Lithuanian professionals. He also received the 1990 Award for Teaching Excellence at the School of Social Work.

Richman received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1972. He received his master of social work degree, specializing in psychiatric social work and group work, from SUNY-Albany in 1974. He received his doctorate in counseling psychology from Florida State University in 1977, specializing in marriage and family therapy, family sociology and higher education.

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Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/faculty/deans/richman_jack.jpg

News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415