Denver (October 21, 2008)

The American Humane Association today announced that the top three research leaders in its Children’s Division have also been named scholars-in-residence at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. 

They are Drs. John Fluke, Myles Edwards and Tom Lengyel. As scholars-in-residence, they will contribute to the research, scholarly and educational mission of the Graduate School of Social Work, including classroom presentations, consulting with faculty or doctoral students, and acting as members of dissertation committees. 

“The extensive experience, knowledge and expertise of John Fluke, Myles Edwards and Tom Lengyel will be a tremendous asset to the school, and will enhance our already exceptional reputation for top faculty talent and quality,” said James Herbert Williams, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Social Work. “This arrangement bolsters our strong and fruitful partnership with American Humane.” 

“We are certainly proud and pleased to have our researchers named to these prestigious positions,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, American Humane president and CEO. “This is a further collaborative effort between us that will significantly serve to benefit the field of social work, both in the U.S. and the rest of the world.”  

In February, American Humane and the Graduate School of Social Work unveiled the joint, $2 million American Humane Endowed Chair as one of the first in the nation created to explore the expanding field of animal-assisted social work and research the bond between humans and animals. Further, American Humane provided seed money to establish the University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection, and American Humane’s resources on animal cruelty and violence in society are hosted by the university’s Penrose Library. 

Dr. Fluke, who earned his Ph.D. from Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, is the founder and director of the American Humane Child Protective Services Research Center, whose purpose is to improve public child protective services through the development of evidence-based policies and practices. For 28 years, he has led, designed, supervised and participated in research and evaluation efforts focused on improving services to children and child welfare populations. His efforts have served the full range of public and private sectors, which include all levels of government, private non-profit organizations, and associations both within the United States and internationally.  

Fluke is nationally recognized for his research in assessing and analyzing decision-making in human services delivery systems. In addition, he is acknowledged for his innovative and informative evaluation work in the areas of child welfare administrative data analysis, workload, cost analysis, performance and outcomes measurement for children and family services. He is the author or co-author of numerous scholarly publications, and has presented both nationally and internationally. 

Since 2004, Dr. Edwards, who earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, has served as Director of Research for Children and Animals in the Children's Division of the American Humane Association, where he has been on the staff since 1993. He has conducted human services research and evaluation since 1973 in settings that include child welfare, mental health, health services, criminal justice, and alcohol and substance abuse.  

While Director of Research and Evaluation at a community mental health center for 12 years, Edwards served as Chair of the Research and Evaluation Division of the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers, and he was a member of its Board of Directors. He has had consulting contracts in 22 states, with the federal government, and with numerous local governments and agencies. He is the author or co-author of numerous scholarly publications, and has addressed numerous national and international conferences and meetings. 

Dr. Lengyel, who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, is the Associate Director of Research and Evaluation at American Humane. In this capacity, he provides direction and supervision of child welfare research. As a qualitative methodologist he writes proposals, designs and conducts research, and writes research and evaluation reports in the field of social welfare and social policy.  

Prior to his current position, Lengyel served for 11 years as the Director of Research and Evaluation Services at the Alliance for Children and Families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also practiced social work as a direct services worker and supervisor in child welfare for 12 years. 

More information on the new American Humane scholars-in-residence at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social work can be found at http://www.du.edu/socialwork/faculty/directory/visiting.html.