South Middlesex Times

Rutgers recently welcomed four new deans who bring records of accomplishment and visions to advance the missions of their schools.

Here is an introduction to these new leaders at the university.

Mark Anner, School of Management and Labor Relations

Past Experience: Professor of labor and employment relations and political science at Pennsylvania State University; founding director of Penn State’s Center for Global Workers’ Rights and the university’s master of professional studies in labor and global workers’ rights program.

Area of Research: Scholar of workers’ rights in supply chains

Quote: "I am deeply honored to join the Rutgers community to lead the School of Management and Labor Relations. It is a privilege to build upon the exceptional legacy of Dean Adrienne Eaton and to contribute to vibrant, world-class programs that equip students to tackle the complex challenges in today’s world of work. Rutgers’ outstanding faculty, students, and staff, its model of shared governance, and its commitment to social justice drew me here. I am excited to expand our impact through student success, academic excellence, robust scholarly research in the fields of labor relations and human resources, and meaningful local, national, and global community engagement."

George Leibowitz, School of Social Work

Past Experience: Professor and director of the doctoral program in social welfare and chair of the Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare

Area of Research: Leibowitz is a licensed clinician specializing in adult and adolescent mental health and substance abuse treatment as well as an expert on opioid addiction

His Vision: “I was drawn to Rutgers as a community. It has such extensive reach and tangible statewide impact, and I believe the School of Social Work can contribute significantly to community engagement—which is an integral part of Rutgers’ Academic Master Plan. The School's ranking by U.S. News & World Report (12th MSW program out of 319 programs nationally) was extraordinarily impressive to me as well.

I was also compelled by the inventive ways the leadership has broken ground in innovative research areas that distinguish it from other institutions. Its vast online programming focuses on meeting needs while actively working towards equity. I am excited about my potential contributions. I want to bridge divides within our communities, make programs accessible and equitable, tackle barriers to education, and remind our community what brought them here.”

Christopher M. Span, Graduate School of Education

Past Experience: Professor in the Department Education Policy at University Illinois Urbana-Champaign; former associate dean College Education Illinois

Area Research: Span’s research focuses educational history African Americans during 19th century. He authored From Cotton Field Schoolhouse African American Education Mississippi 1862-1875 co-editor Using Past Prologue Contemporary Perspectives African American Educational History contributed numerous articles book chapters subject.

Why Rutgers: "I joined Rutgers because its deep commitment land grant university achieving excellence scale public good. As new Dean Graduate School Education (GSE), my vision uphold advance this legacy GSE's inquiry innovation impact over past century transformed understanding learning teaching knowledge production equity social justice enhances lives communities equips educators learners address global challenges shapes future teaching research community engagement."

Starkweather previously served Chamings Endowed Professor Nursing assistant dean research development University Florida College Nursing Gainesville Fla.

Area Research Starkweather known her research pain chronic illness management focused understanding factors contribute acute chronic pain implementing interventions improve quality life health outcomes people affected chronic health conditions mitigate health disparities underserved populations.

Her Vision “My priorities coming Dean include spending some time getting know listen our students alumni faculty staff partners understand communities serve their priorities Rutgers Health School Nursing under Dean Linda Flynn established strong strategic plans including initiatives advance diversity equity belonging continue making progress these along strengthening academic practice partnerships extremely excited have conversations students alumni about their educational experiences continue work toward enhancing preparation either enter workforce new nurses advance knowledge practicing nurses Working faculty my hope continue infuse joy being nurse ways hold onto that joy despite challenges their educational journey throughout career.”