Denise Burnette Named New Associate Dean.

Professor Denise Burnette has been named Associate Dean for the Columbia University School of Social Work, effective January 1, 2003. As Associate Dean, her responsibilities will include faculty development and curriculum innovation.

Dr. Burnette joined the CUSSW faculty in 1990. She is a social gerontologist who received her Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. She has received numerous awards and grants to support her research and educational developments in social work and gerontology.

In assuming the associate deanship, Dr. Burnette will be stepping down as director of the school's doctoral program. While she readily acknowledges that she will miss teaching and working closely with the school's doctoral students, Burnette says she feels excited and well-prepared to assume this critical role at CUSSW.

"This is an wonderful opportunity," Burnette says. "I look forward to acquiring new knowledge and skills while contributing to faculty and administrative initiatives to strengthen the school's educational and research programs."

Prof. Burnette replaces Barbara Berkman, Helen Rehr/Ruth Fizdale Professor of Health and Mental Health, who served as Interim Associate Dean from July, 2001 to December 31, 2002.