The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago Selected by Carnegie Foundation for 2010 Engagement Classification

CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reflecting its deep commitment to community service and engagement, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Chicago Campus) is one of 115 colleges and universities in the United States and one of three in Illinois to receive the 2010 Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Colleges and universities with an institutional focus on community engagement were invited to apply for the classification, which first launched in 2006. Institutions participated in the selection process by submitting documentation describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community. According to Carnegie President Anthony Bryk, the classification "acknowledges significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement."

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"From our own initiatives like the Center for Latino Mental Health, Forensic Center and Counseling Center, to our work across the globe in countries such as Rwanda and Peru, The Chicago School is focused on developing engaged professionals prepared to take action in their community and in the world," said Dr. Michele Nealon-Woods, president of The Chicago School. "I am extremely proud to say that even in these challenging times—in fact particularly in light of these challenging times--our faculty, staff and students continue to contribute literally hundreds of thousands of hours per year in community service, in addition to millions of dollars of direct budget support from the school and external funding for engagement programs and initiatives."

Community service, engagement, and a commitment to diversity are foundational pillars of The Chicago School's educational model--a model embraced by leadership throughout the institution. Dr. Nealon-Woods, for instance, has spent a significant part of her career in community service: working with adolescents in group homes and foster care, receiving The Chicago School's 2006 Distinguished Teaching Award in the area of public service teaching, and helping to develop 19 current community partnerships and over 200 practicum sites as the first president of The Chicago School's Los Angeles campus.

Through the work of Dr. Deane Rabe, associate vice president of engagement and student affairs, the school launched several departments over the past several years to fully institutionalize its engagement initiatives, including Applied Professional Practice, Clinical Services, and the Community Partnerships Department (CPD). The CPD alone has since placed hundreds of students each year in community assistantship positions, located community partners for over 70 service learning programs, and designed and developed community-based research projects under the guidance of the school's community partners.

"We are extremely gratified to have received this classification," said Jill Glenn, director of CPD at the Chicago Campus, whose office prepared and submitted the school's application for the 2010 Engagement Classification. "It is a tribute to the dedication and compassion of our outstanding faculty and students, the tireless work of our team, and the profound commitment of our leadership to making a real and positive impact on our communities and the world."

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate school dedicated exclusively to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized TCSPP for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The school's community service initiatives have resulted in three consecutive years of recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, including the additional "With Distinction" honor in 2010.  In 2009, the school was named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual list of "Great Colleges to Work For." Campuses are located in Chicago; in Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, California; and the newest campus in Washington, D.C. Doctoral psychology programs and masters psychology programs are offered on-ground and in an online-blended format.

For more information about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gradpsychology. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagoschool.

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Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D.

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CONTACT: Lynne Baker, +1-312-379-1635, [email protected]

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology