PITT NAMES NEW SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK DEAN

PITTSBURGH, June 11 -- Larry E. Davis has been named dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, effective August 1, 2001. Davis, currently the E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis, replaces David E. Epperson, who is retiring as dean after

28 years.

Davis has enjoyed a distinguished career at Washington University, beginning in 1977 as assistant professor of social work and psychology, then becoming an associate professor in 1983 and a full professor in 1996. Prior to that, he was a visiting professor at the University of Hawaii School of Social Work, and an adjunct professor in the doctoral program at the Norfolk State University School of Social Work. Davis has conducted research in race, gender, and class dynamics; adolescents and young adults; and small group behavior, and has published numerous articles, chapters, and books.

He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology at Michigan State University, and his master's in psychology and his doctorate in social work and psychology from the University of Michigan.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg noted that Davis has contributed to making Washington University what many people regard as the premier school of social work in the country. "His talent, energy, and integrity, coupled with his stature as one of the leading figures in social work education and research, make Dr. Davis eminently qualified to build on our School of Social Work's strengths and priorities and continue the significant progress made under Dean Epperson's guidance," Nordenberg said.

Provost James V. Maher added, "I have great confidence that Dr. Davis will provide the dynamic academic leadership needed to guide the School of Social Work through the exciting era of changes which the field of social work appears to be entering."

Davis said, "I am honored to serve as dean of the school of social work at one of America's most prestigious universities, and it is my aspiration to build upon the school's numerous accomplishments which have already been instituted by Dr. David Epperson."

The Pitt School of Social Work is the only accredited graduate program of social work in Western Pennsylvania, and ranks in the top ten percent of the 140 graduate social work programs in the United States.

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Note to Editors: A digital photograph of Dr. Larry Davis is available by contacting Sharon Blake at 412-624-4364.

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