Fantuzzo appointed Greenfield Professor

Dean Porter is pleased to announce to the GSE community that John Fantuzzo has been appointed the fourth Albert M. Greenfield Professor of Human Relations.

The professorship was created in 1972 by a gift from the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation for a distinguished scholar in the field of human relations.

"John perfectly embodies the values of the Greenfield professorship," said Provost Daniels. "His commitment to improving the lives of children has made a meaningful difference in our community and across the country. And it is matched only by his dedication to his own students at Penn, who consistently praise his caring, attentiveness, and dedication."

Dr. Fantuzzo has devoted his career to helping low-income children in high-risk urban settings. His work with Head Start has identified key risk factors that threaten academic achievement.

Working with Prof. Dennis Culhane of the School of Social Policy and Practice and Prof. Trevor Hadley of the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine, Prof. Fantuzzo developed the Kids Integrated Data System (KIDS), which allows investigators to combine records on individual Philadelphia residents to follow them across time, from birth to age 18. This helps professionals to identify multiple risks and study their impacts on educational outcomes. KIDS is now being expanded as a resource for large cities across the country.

In addition, Prof. Fantuzzo is working with colleagues on a large research project that develops and tests new strategies to enhance the school readiness of low-income, urban preschoolers. This study has already created significant improvement in math and reading skills in its first trial group.

"John is an extraordinary scholar and a first-rate University citizen. He's no fan of public attention, but this recognition is well-earned," said Dean Porter. "We are very proud for him and for GSE."

Outside of GSE, Prof. Fantuzzo developed, and now directs, Penn's Riepe Mentors Program, which involves undergraduates in Riepe College House in mentoring young students in West Philadelphia schools.

Prof. Fantuzzo has been a faculty member of GSE since 1988.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Fantuzzo on his appointment as the Albert M. Greenfield Professor of Human Relations.