Dec. 16, 2020

Associate Professor Dale Fitch has directed the School of Social Work since 2017. His term comes to an end this month as School of Health Professions Dean Kristofer Hagglund prepares to announce a permanent director.

“In working closely with Dale these past few months, I have come to appreciate his dedication to the mission of the School of Social Work and his commitment to supporting his colleagues, students and the community,” Dean Hagglund said. “Dale successfully guided the School of Social Work to the School of Health Professions, much to the delight of the faculty and staff members of both schools. I thank Dale for his effort, sincerity, and unwavering focus on improving the health and well-being of others.”

The School of Social Work joined the School of Health Professions in October. Social work is a critical profession to health care, social justice and community welfare, and the schools’ faculty members have a long history of collaboration. The move provides even more opportunities for interprofessional education and collaboration.

Dr. Fitch said he is looking forward to resuming his research focusing on precision population health with an emphasis on the social determinants of health.

“It has been a wonderful three years filled with a lot of challenges and adventures, and I appreciate all of the hard work and support of the faculty and staff members of the School of Social Work,” Dr. Fitch said. “I am very happy with our new home in the School of Health Professions, and I have no doubt the School of Social Work will reach even greater heights in our teaching and research with this new affiliation.”