DiLorenzo named new dean of College of Arts & Sciences

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UAB Provost Eli Capilouto has announced that Thomas DiLorenzo, Ph.D., will be the new dean of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences effective July 1.

DiLorenzo
DiLorenzo comes to UAB from the University of Delaware, where he was chair of the Department of Psychology since 2002. Prior to that, he was dean of the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences from 1999 to 2001 and chair of the University of Missouri-Columbia Department of Psychology from 1990 to 1999.

"We reviewed many outstanding candidates in a national search for the best person to lead the college as we begin this exciting new chapter at UAB," Capilouto said. "We found in Thomas DiLorenzo the right mix of experience and expertise, as well as a strong commitment to interdisciplinary education, a passion for learning and discovery, and a demonstrated ability to bring together diverse groups to further advance UAB's vision to be a world-renowned research university and a first choice for education.

"We are pleased to announce his appointment."

The UAB College of Arts and Sciences is home to academic disciplines that include the arts, humanities, sciences and the School of Education. The college's unique structure advances research and learning in both K-12 and higher education, and its courses are taught by a world-class faculty. It was created after an Academic Realignment Commission reviewed and assessed various options for the organization of UAB's six non-medical schools in 2009.

Committed to the UAB spirit of independence and innovation, the college enables students to design their own majors, participate in undergraduate research or complete graduate degrees on a five-year fast track. Through productive partnerships, flexible curricula and a bold, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, the college is preparing students for success in the ever-changing global marketplace of commerce and ideas.

DiLorenzo earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 1984 from West Virginia University, where he also earned his master's degree in clinical psychology. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, both from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his residency in clinical psychology at the University of Mississippi and Jackson Veterans Administration Medical Centers.

In his chair and dean roles, DiLorenzo worked to significantly increase grant funding for faculty and graduate students and is credited with greatly strengthening academic productivity and recognition. He also has extensive experience in developing general education curricula and promoting writing and the use of technology in the classroom at the undergraduate level. He has played an active role in universitywide initiatives to strengthen academic program quality, enhance multicultural education, extend research activities and promote interdisciplinary research and teaching.

During his tenure as dean, DiLorenzo helped develop many interdisciplinary and collaborative centers, including the Center for International Studies, Center for American Material Culture, Early Learning Center and Delaware Biotechnology Institute.

DiLorenzo's research interests focus on health psychology with an emphasis on addictive behaviors, mostly revolving around the prevention and cessation of tobacco use. In his career he has had more than $5 million in grants, mostly from the National Institutes of Health.

Even while taking on many leadership roles throughout his career, DiLorenzo continued to teach undergraduates in entry-level courses. He has mentored many graduate students, supervising theses and dissertations, and has taught a number of graduate courses; he created a Teaching of Psychology Practicum course for graduate students at both universities.

"UAB is an absolutely first-rate institution, and I am excited to serve as the founding dean of the College of Arts and Sciences," DiLorenzo said. "The integration of the School of Education into the college presents an opportunity that will lead to a unique synergy and will be a model for the nation. 

"I look forward to working with this exceptional group of faculty members, Provost Capilouto and President Garrison as we move UAB into the next century of higher education."

Jean Ann Linney, Ph.D., formerly dean of the UAB School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, has served as interim dean of Arts and Sciences since Jan. 1 of this year. Capilouto expressed gratitude to Linney for her effective guidance of the new college. "Our faculty, staff and students are the beneficiaries of her tireless efforts," he said.

Linney will return to the faculty as professor in the Department of Psychology.