School of Public Heath scholar Dr. Mark Chaffinwill be one of the newest Second Century Initiative (2CI) faculty members and will become a full-time professor in the School of Public Health’s Division of Health Promotion and Behavior during the fall 2014 semester.
“Dr. Chaffin is widely-recognized as one of the top child maltreatment scholars in the Nation,” Michael Eriksen, dean of the School of Public Health and Strategic Plan committee member, said. “By joining our Center for Healthy Development, Dr. Chaffin will join an already recognized strong faculty with the potential of having the most accomplished group of child-maltreatment faculty anywhere in the world.”
Dr. Chaffin is looking forward to be a part of Georgia State through 2CI, which brings scholarly professors to Georgia State’s classrooms as a part of the Strategic Plan.
“The Second Century Initiative at GSU is a huge and ambitious undertaking for the University, and I’m genuinely honored to be a part of it,” Dr. Chaffin said. “It reflects the evolution of GSU as a major research university, including the rapid growth of the School of Public Health in recent years.”
Dr. Chaffin, who is also known for he research in developmental disabilities and juvenile justice, describes his teaching style as fast and data driven. His expectations are high, and he encourages his students to have a mind of their own and to vocalize their opinions. However, it has been quite some time since he taught an undergraduate class.
“For the past 15 years, all of my teaching has been in medical schools—research and clinical mentoring of interns and post-doctoral fellows. Not in classrooms,” Dr. Chaffin said. “I’ve probably got some learning to do, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Graduate Research Assistant Sierra Graves, who is working on a master’s in public health, saw Chaffin’s recent presentation on the topic of child maltreatment held at Georgia State. His presentation made her even more eager to have him come teach at the University.
“I think he knows a lot about the areas of child maltreatment and that’s pretty much what we do here at the Center of Healthy Development. I think he will bring a lot of insight, because he knows a lot about the field,” Graves said.
Lia Scott, master’s of public health student and graduate research assistant, sees 2CI as a strategy of advancing Georgia State as an accredited university.
“I think it’s pretty exciting mainly because our school is growing right now. It’s just great to see a lot of really renowned faculty that people already know. They already have a named established and want to come here,” Scott said. “I think that will bring a lot more students here as well as a lot more faculty.”
Dean Eriksen said that three nationally recognized scholars have already been added to the School of Public Health through 2CI, and according to Georgia State’s website, 2CI is hoping to add 100 new faculty members to Georgia State’s campus by 2015.
Eriksen explained 2CI’s strategy and anticipated results.
“2CI provides the opportunity to recruit internationally-recognized faculty to Georgia State University to work with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects of strategic importance to the University,” Eriksen said. “The 2CI is the best opportunity for Schools and Colleges to build excellence among their faculty and to enhance the overall scholarly reputation of Georgia State University.”
