Social work dean chosen

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By Danielle Pritchett

The College of Social Work named its new dean Thursday.

James P. Adams Jr., who is currently the dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama, will begin the position in July 2009 pending approval by the UK Board of Trustees, according to a  university news release.

“I had an appointment to meet the leadership at UK, including President (Lee) Todd and Provost (Kumble) Subbaswamy, as well as the faculty and staff at the College of Social Work,” Adams said. He said the meetings made the job more appealing.

Adams will follow Kay Hoffman. Hoffman, who is returning to a faculty position, stepped down in August 2007 but agreed to serve as dean until a replacement was found.

“Dr. Adams has a distinguished career of teaching, research, administration and community involvement to the UK College of Social Work,”

Subbaswamy said in the news release. “I am confident the college will continue to thrive under his leadership, as it has under the exceptional guidance of Dr. Kay Hoffman.”

Adams said he was impressed by the support shown by UK and the Lexington community, and feels the College of Social Work is in a good place.

“As far as changes go, I would want to spend time talking with faculty and students at the college,” Adams said. “I hope we continue to move forward.”

Adams has researched the areas of adolescent pregnancy prevention, aging, black family structure and functioning, deliberative politics and public leadership, among other areas, according to the news release.

His research has been published in various journals.

Since beginning his time at Alabama in August 1979, Adams has served as executive assistant to the provost, vice president for Academic Affairs and director of Economic and Community Affairs.

He has also served on the board of the Alabama Poverty Project and as a research associate for the Kettering Foundation.

“The University of Alabama has been a very dear part of my life,” Adams said. “There will be some regrets, but when you have an opportunity like this, you can’t turn that down.”
Adams was one of three finalists for the position.