ALMANAC BETWEEN ISSUES August 31, 2001
SSW Interim Dean: Richard Gelles
Dr. Richard Gelles has been named interim dean of the School of Social
Work, effective September 1. His appointment was announced August 30 by
President Judith Rodin, and Provost Robert Barchi.
Dr. Gelles, the Joanne T. and Raymond B. Welsh Professor in Child Welfare
and Family Violence, is an accomplished scholar, outstanding researcher
and experienced administrator," Dr. Rodin said.
Recognized nationally and internationally as one of the leading theorists
and researchers in the study of family violence, Dr. Gelles is the author
or co-author of 23 books and more than 100 articles, chapters, and papers
on the subject of family violence. His book, Behind Closed Doors, published
in 1980, established family violence as a contemporary social problem,
and helped to frame the debate and research agenda in this area for the
next decade.
He played a critical role in National Family Violence surveys which are
the most frequently cited research in scholarly works on this issue. Before
coming to Penn in July 1998, Dr. Gelles served as director of the Family
Violence Research Program at the University of Rhode Island where he held
a number of administrative roles, including department chair and dean
of arts and sciences.
"We are delighted that Richard has agreed to lead the school during
this time of transition and look forward to working together with him
during the coming year," said Dr. Barchi.
Dr. Gelles has been the co-director of the Center for the Study of Youth
Policy and for the past year, also served as the co-director of the Center
for Children's Policy, Practice and Research. He was a recipient of the
SSW Teaching Award last year (Almanac
May 16, 2000).
Dr. Gelles earned his B.A. from Bates College, his M.A. in sociology from
the University of Rochester and his Ph.D. in sociology from the University
of New Hampshire.
Former SSW dean Ira Schwartz left Penn to become provost at Temple University
(Almanac
July 17).
Posted 8/31/01