Professor Emeritus Jonathan Freedman, an internationally renowned social psychologist, has accepted the interim role of vice-president and principal of the U of T Scarborough effective Sept. 1.
Freedman, appointed provostial adviser on tri-campus matters on July 1, received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University (1958) and his PhD from Yale University (1961), was an assistant and associate professor at Stanford University (1961 to 1968) and a full professor at Columbia University (1969 to 1979) before coming to U of T in 1980.
Known for his research on the social influence of violence in entertainment, he advised the Federal Trade Commission on its report on the marketing of violent imagery and content in the media. As well, he has written extensively on the effects of crowding and jury decision-making, working with a number of the country's top legal minds on matters reflecting his research.
He is the author of numerous books including Social Psychology (1970), Deviancy: The Psychology of Being Different (1968), Behavior (1975) and Media Violence and Its Effect on Aggression: Assessing the Scientific Evidence (2002).
In 1975, he was awarded the American Psychological Association Media Award grand prize for his book Crowding and Behavior.
Coming to the university as chair of the Department of Psychology, he also served as director of graduate studies for the department as well as interim chair.
"Professor Freedman's wealth of administrative experience, in particular his experience as acting vice-dean (graduate education and research) in the Faculty of Arts and Science, and his recent experience as acting vice-principal (academic) and dean at Scarborough, gives him the appropriate background to provide leadership to the campus during the next academic year," said Professor Vivek Goel, vice-president and provost and acting president, in a statement to faculty, staff, alumni and students. "Professor Freedman will work with the outstanding leadership team in place, and with colleagues throughout the campus to continue to advance Scarborough and its academic plans during the coming year."
Contact:
Michah Rynor, Department of Strategic Communications, 416-978-2104; e-mail:
michah.rynor@utoronto.ca