EAST LANSING, Mich. — Robert Caldwell, longtime professor of psychology at Michigan State University, will soon add a new title to his resume.
Caldwell has been recommended to serve as the new university ombudsperson, pending approval by the MSU Board of Trustees.
The ombudsperson is a senior faculty member who assists students in resolving conflicts or disputes with the university. The ombudsperson also helps staff members, instructors and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns.
“Through his many years of service, Bob has demonstrated his long-term commitment to students on campus,” said MSU Provost Kim Wilcox. “By way of that commitment, he has earned wide respect from students, staff and faculty.”
Caldwell joined the MSU faculty as an assistant professor in 1982. He was appointed associate professor in 1987 and full professor in 1994.
In addition to his teaching duties, Caldwell was the College of Social Science’s associate dean for graduate studies from 2005 to 2010. Recently he served as a senior adviser to College of Social Science Dean Marietta Baba.
Caldwell’s research interests lie in the field of child abuse prevention. Since 1995 he has served as a research consultant on child abuse prevention for the National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds.
"I am excited about beginning my new duties,” Caldwell said. “I will work to uphold the excellent reputation of the office that has been built by others who have held the position before me."
Caldwell earned his B.A. from the University of Rochester, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Colorado.
If his appointment is approved by the board, he would succeed Stan Soffin, a professor in the School of Journalism who has held the position since 1998.
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