An expert in program and policy evaluation has been named the first Pauline M. Berger Professor in Family and Child Welfare in the School of Social Work.
Michael Holosko, a visiting professor at UGA in 1998 and a professor at the University of Windsor in Ontario for the past 20 years, will join UGA in January. The appointment is pending approval from the board of regents.
For the past 26 years, he has been a consultant to health and human services organizations throughout Canada and the United States in program evaluation, organizational development, leadership and stress management. As the Pauline M. Berger Professor, Holosko will use his background in child and family well-being to create practice-based learning opportunities for social work students.
“Michael Holosko is an outstanding scholar, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to social welfare policy and to exploring the practical impact social policies have on people’s lives,” says Maurice Daniels, dean of the School of Social Work. “And he brings a wealth of expertise in social work practice that will serve our students well as they in turn prepare to serve children and families.”
Holosko will deliver the keynote address at the annual field education conference, which will be attended by social workers from around the state, on Sept. 9 at the Georgia Center.
The Pauline M. Berger Professorship in Family and Child Welfare was established by Israel Berger to honor his wife’s contributions to the School of Social Work and to the social work profession. Pauline Berger served on the faculty from 1966 to 1976 as both assistant professor and admissions director. Prior to teaching at UGA, she worked for the Norfolk Naval Hospital, for the American Red Cross and as a family caseworker.
“Pauline Berger was devoted to the School of Social Work, to our students, and to the profession,” says Daniels. “The professorship adds tremendously to her already large legacy and ensures that her passion for family and child welfare continues to benefit our students and the families they serve.”