News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has established the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair in Substance Use and Recovery, supported by a $3.5 million donation from Revolution Recovery. This initiative aims to enhance research, education, and programs focusing on substance use and recovery, as well as the development of a recovery high school and long-term family support programs. The chair is named in honor of Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker and will be held by Dr. Mary M. Velasquez, driving innovative solutions for youth and families affected by substance use.
UT Austin Establishes Endowed Chair for Substance Use Research
A $3.5 million gift will launch innovative programs in recovery education and support.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at Austin has made a significant stride in the field of substance use and recovery with the establishment of the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair in Substance Use and Recovery. This initiative comes on the heels of a transformative $3.5 million donation from Revolution Recovery, which is geared towards enriching research, teaching, and programming aimed at substance use, recovery, and overall well-being.
This funding is particularly crucial as it will also facilitate the development of a recovery high school and long-term family support programs. These initiatives will be designed to engage collaboratively with various partners across the university and the broader community, ensuring far-reaching impacts on youth and families affected by substance use.
Legacy of Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker
The endowed chair is named in honor of Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker, a distinguished faculty member who left a lasting imprint on the field of adolescent recovery through her research and advocacy. Having served UT Austin for 24 years, Dr. Holleran Steiker was well-respected for her work in addiction, recovery, and substance abuse services. Her contributions pushed forward the agenda for adolescent recovery both on campus and nationally.
Inaugural Holder of the Chair
The inaugural holder of the Lori Holleran Steiker Chair will be Dr. Mary M. Velasquez, a Centennial Professor in Leadership for Community, Professional and Corporate Excellence and director of the Health Behavior Research and Training Institute. Dr. Velasquez has an impressive record in research focusing on integrated health care practices, substance misuse interventions, and adolescent health, making her well-equipped to lead efforts in this vital area.
Community Impact and Program Development
The $3.5 million gift is a stepping stone towards creating an innovative model for adolescent recovery that intertwines education, healthcare, and support systems for teens and their families. These initiatives are expected to drive positive outcomes for many young people facing substance use challenges, integrating care and recovery pathways while promoting educational success.
Key Features of the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment of the Chair | A $3.5 million gift from Revolution Recovery funds the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work. |
| Inaugural Holder | Dr. Mary M. Velasquez will lead initiatives related to the new chair and advance vital research. |
| Additional Initiatives | The gift supports the development of a recovery high school and long-term family support programs. |
| Impact on Community | These initiatives aim to create a holistic support system for teens struggling with substance use. |
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the establishment of the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Chair represents a commitment to advancing substance use recovery strategies and support for families throughout Texas. The partnership with Revolution Recovery exemplifies how academic institutions can collaborate with community organizations to create lasting, beneficial impacts.
Houston residents are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming programs and initiatives from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work, as these developments promise to enhance the educational landscape regarding substance use and recovery support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair?
The Lori Holleran Steiker Endowed Faculty Chair is a new position established at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work, funded by a $3.5 million gift from Revolution Recovery. It aims to support research, teaching, and programming focused on substance use, recovery, and well-being.
Who is Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker?
Dr. Lori Holleran Steiker was a distinguished faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work. She was nationally recognized for her pioneering work and tireless advocacy in the field of adolescent recovery. She passed away on Sept. 22, 2024, after living for several years with metastatic cancer.
Who will serve as the inaugural holder of the chair?
Dr. Mary M. Velasquez, Centennial Professor in Leadership for Community, Professional and Corporate Excellence, and director of the Health Behavior Research and Training Institute, will serve as the inaugural holder of the Lori Holleran Steiker Chair. Dr. Velasquez has conducted groundbreaking research on various health behavior interventions.
What additional initiatives are funded by this gift?
In addition to establishing the chair, the gift provides essential seed funding to develop a recovery high school and long-term family support programs. These initiatives will be led by UT Social Work in collaboration with partners across the University and throughout the community.
How will this gift impact the community?
The gift is expected to have a profound impact on young people and families across Texas by creating an innovative model for adolescent recovery that integrates education, health care, and recovery support for teens and their families.
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