Ron Smith has agreed to take on the position of Director of Clinical Training starting in the Fall 2004.
He has big shoes to fill. Bob Kohlenberg has done an exemplary job in this position, agreeing to serve beyond his initial five year appointment so that he could see our clinical area through its APA site visit which occurred earlier this year. Preliminary indications suggest that we "passed" our review with flying colors.
In Bob's term as DCT the clinical program has become a stronger and more prestigious one, climbing from #6 to #2 in the country in the US News and World Report rankings. Most recently, largely due to Bob's efforts, the clinical area was designated "Program of the Year" for 2003 by the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy.
Bob will continue as DCT through early September and then will return to his teaching and research as Full Professor. We will find some time later this year to celebrate his achievements and thank him for his service. Meanwhile, I'm sure you will all join me in wishing Ron the best as he prepares for this new challenge.