Below is a message from Drexel President John Fry and Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost M. Brian Blake, PhD:

Drexel’s new ombuds, Kirk Heilbrun, PhD, brings a wealth of academic and clinical expertise to his role in helping members of the University community seeking to settle a dispute through an informal resolution process. His appointment took effect January 1.

As a senior member of the College of Arts and Sciences faculty, Professor Heilbrun will continue to teach psychology while serving as ombuds. He teaches and supervises both graduate students and undergraduates at Drexel.

Trained as a clinical psychologist, Professor Heilbrun specializes in forensic psychology, which focuses on the psychological aspects of law and legal decision-making. His research, teaching, and practice interests include forensic mental health assessment, as well as efforts to improve rehabilitative services for individuals involved in the justice system.

His work to help resolve conflicts and complaints that are not subject to other dispute resolution processes also will draw on his academic leadership experience, which includes chairing Drexel’s Department of Psychology between 1999 and 2012 — a pivotal period during which the merger between Drexel and MCP Hahnemann was completed.

Professor Heilbrun received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship training in psychology and criminal justice at Florida State University. His taught previously at the Medical College of Virginia, the University of Virginia, the University of South Florida, and Florida State University. Board certified in clinical psychology and in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, Kirk is a past president of both the American Psychology-Law Psychology/APA Division 41 and the American Board of Forensic Psychology.

Kirk succeeds David Flood, PhD, as ombuds. In his new post, he will impartially assist students, faculty and professional staff in resolving disputes informally. His goal is to continue the ombuds tradition of providing a relevant and helpful service to the Drexel community. More information on the Drexel ombuds program can be found here.

We want to thank David Flood, professor emeritus, for his service as ombuds. And please join us in congratulating Kirk on his appointment.

Sincerely,

John Fry                     

President

M. Brian Blake

Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost