VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

Frank R. Baskind, Ph.D., dean and professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, will end a 16-year tenure as dean in June.

Baskind will remain a distinguished faculty member in the VCU School of Social Work and will engage in special projects for the university.

"It is exceptional to serve as dean for 16 years at any university and especially to serve with such distinction at one of the largest schools of social work in the country," said VCU President Eugene P. Trani. "Under Dr. Baskind's leadership, the VCU School of Social Work has maintained national rankings for academics and its faculty scholarship."

The VCU School of Social Work's graduate program is ranked 14^th in the country, and the school has been ranked third in the nation in one review of faculty publication productivity.

"Dr. Baskind provided extraordinary support to me as a fellow dean and then as provost on a number of university-wide issues," said VCU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Gottfredson. "He is the kind of leader that is needed in higher education, and we are fortunate that he will stay at VCU as a professor and to continue to help with university projects."

Under Baskind's leadership, the School of Social Work's reach has grown throughout the state and region. The school developed a community-based Head Start program in Richmond and significantly expanded the master's of social work program in Northern Virginia, connecting with social service agencies across the commonwealth and in Washington, D.C. Most recently, the school completed its strategic plan with a major focus on community engagement.

Baskind said his greatest enjoyment has come from working with faculty to articulate the national and international strengths of the school and its contributions to the field of practice. "I'm looking forward to a transition to new opportunities at VCU, including more professional development and contributing to the university," Baskind said.

Baskind has served as president of the board of directors for the Council on Social Work Education and as a consultant and member of various community organizations such as United Way Services of Richmond, Leadership Metro Richmond, and United Way of Greater New Haven, Conn.

He also has served VCU through numerous assignments and committees, including serving as a member of the advisory board and faculty mentor for the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, member of the university's strategic planning committee, University Council co-chair and several search committees.

Baskind joined VCU in 1992 to serve as dean. Previously he was the founding dean of Social Work and Human Services at Southern Connecticut State University and associate head of Human Services and Social Work Programs at the University of Tennessee.

Baskind graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor's degree in sociology. He earned a master's of social work and doctoral degrees from the University of Connecticut.

Baskind lives in Henrico County with his wife, Pat.  They have four children and seven grandchildren.