Frank Baskind, retiring after 32 years at VCU as dean emeritus of social work

After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Frank Baskind, Ph.D., is set to retire from his position as professor and dean emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work. Throughout his illustrious career, Baskind has made significant contributions to the field of social work, both academically and in real-world practice.

Baskind’s tenure at VCU saw the School of Social Work rise to national prominence, thanks to his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Under his leadership, the school implemented various initiatives, including the development of the first distance-learning courses and the successful launch of an online master’s in social work program. Additionally, Baskind oversaw the creation of dual master’s degrees and certificates of study to expand learning opportunities for students.

Beyond academia, Baskind’s impact extended to the community, with the school being awarded federal contracts to administer child development Head Start programs in community agencies. He also established international connections in countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Belize, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic, further enhancing the school’s global reach.

Baskind’s colleagues and peers have praised his leadership and mentorship, highlighting his role in promoting faculty and student involvement in social work education. His dedication to advancing the field has been recognized at the national level, with prominent roles in the Council on Social Work Education.

As he prepares to embark on his well-deserved retirement, Baskind reflects on the importance of family and the unwavering support of his wife, Pat, throughout his career. His legacy at VCU will undoubtedly endure, as the school continues to flourish under the guidance of its current leadership team and faculty.

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