By Erin Jester
Stephanie Hanson, Ph.D., ABPP (Rp), executive associate dean in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and clinical professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, was honored Thursday at a celebration of her retirement after 29 years with the college.
Hanson received her Ph.D.s in developmental psychology and clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1986. She was one of the first women board certified in rehabilitation psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Hanson joined PHHP in 1996 as the associate dean for academic affairs, and over the years has served as interim chair of four different departments in the college.
She is an American Psychological Association fellow and received a lifetime achievement award from APA’s Division 22 for her significant contributions to the field of rehabilitation psychology with a focus on ethics. Hanson also co-chaired the task force that revised of APA’s Guidelines for Assessment and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities.
Former College of Public Health and Health Professions Dean Michael Perri, Ph.D., said Hanson’s work, including playing an essential role in the creation of the Bachelor of Health Science, Ph.D. in rehabilitation science and Master of Public Health programs, has had a profound and lasting impact on PHHP. Along with her list of accolades and powerhouse status in academia and beyond, Perri said Hanson’s “silly side” has been a beloved feature of the college’s annual faculty and staff dinners.
“She has always known how to get things done, and she has used her extensive knowledge of educational content and university processes to grow the college and expand our academic offerings,” Perri said. “Stephanie is truly a special individual, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity of working with such an amazing professional and wonderful person.”
Several other colleagues wrote farewell messages and shared memories ahead of Hanson’s retirement party.
“You have been a wonderful mentor, supporter, consultant and friend to me over the years. I am grateful for all the help and advice,” wrote PHHP Associate Dean for Research David Fuller, Ph.D. “You have made a tremendous and positive impact on the lives of so many people during your time in PHHP.”
“Your advice and knowledge have been invaluable, and your thoughtful emails always seemed to arrive at just the right moment, providing clarity and encouragement when I needed it most,” Candice Adams-Mitchell, SLP.D., a clinical associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. “Although your presence will be deeply missed, I am so excited for you and this well-deserved opportunity to embrace retirement. I know you will bring the same energy, kindness, and wisdom to whatever adventures lie ahead.”
Robert Frank, Ph.D., who was dean of the College of Public Health and Health Professions from 1995 to 2007, has known Hanson since he hired her as an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at University of Missouri Health Sciences Center in 1986, and said he was “brokenhearted” when she later left in 1991.
Five years later, he hired her again, as associate dean and a clinical associate professor in PHHP’s Department of Clinical and Health Psychology.
“Her legacy is one that is largely hidden,” Frank said at her retirement celebration, speaking of the growth of PHHP into its current form, which he attributed in part to Hanson’s constant push for excellence in the college. “Stephanie’s architecture, her hand, her persistence, intelligence and compassion all led to that.”
Hanson will receive an honorary brick in the Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy building courtyard to commemorate her service to the college.
“There aren’t that many people who have had this deep and this sustained of an impact,” PHHP Dean Beth Virnig said. “Anybody who comes into our building will know that you are a big factor in who we are.”
At the end of the reception, Hanson thanked her colleagues for their support, friendship and collaboration over the decades.
“It’s been a long run, and I’m very happy about it,” she said. “I’m eternally grateful.”