Transition in Associate Dean for Research and Training

Nancy Rolock & Aloen Townsend headshots side-by-side

Nancy Rolock, the Henry L. Zucker Professor in Social Work Practice, will complete 3.5 years of service as associate dean for research and training on June 30, stepping down to give more attention to her research and scholarship.

Dr. Rolock served in this role when the research portfolio of the school grew expediently, from $12 million in academic year 2019–20 to $19 million in academic year 2022–23. She is credited with supporting the growing research enterprise of the school during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating regular coordination among the research centers, being a strong advocate for the needs of the school’s research community, and promoting student education and involvement in research.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Rolock’s steadfast service to the Mandel School’s research enterprise.


Aloen L. Townsend, the Ralph S. and Dorothy P. Schmitt Professor of Social Work, has been appointed associate dean for research and training effective July 1.

Dr. Townsend holds a joint appointment in the department of sociology and was previously chair of the doctoral committee. She has also served in several leadership roles within the Mandel School and at CWRU.

We are thankful to Dr. Townsend for her important ongoing service to the school and our research and training enterprise by stepping into this role.