After serving as the inaugural director of the Moritz Center for Societal Impact (MCSI) and leading in many key efforts during its initial phase of development, Dr. Jeanette Davidson will be stepping down from her role to resume work on her program of research and continue her service as a faculty member in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
“Dr. Davidson is a gifted leader, scholar, teacher, and colleague, and I am grateful for the valuable contributions she has made to build the Moritz Center from its inception,” said Allan Cole, Dean of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and founding director of MCSI. “Her wealth of experience and wisdom, combined with a passion for making a positive impact in the world, proved invaluable for the early success the Moritz Center has enjoyed. As it continues to grow and mature in a next phase of development, I will remain grateful to Jeanette for all that she has done to help secure the Center’s success.”
Dean Cole has appointed Dr. Elisa Borah to serve as the Moritz Center’s next director. She has served on the faculty of the UT School of Social Work since 2015, is a research associate professor, and serves as the director of the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness (IMVFW). A 2010 graduate of SHS’s doctoral program, she previously served as director of research at the Ft. Hood site of the STRONG STAR PTSD Research Consortium, a Department of Defense consortium at UT Health San Antonio.
Dean Cole said Dr. Borah’s experience in collaborating with Dell Medical School and her record of proven success with building a robust research institute was notable, particularly in IMVFW’s work in conducting research, designing and testing new initiatives and programs, and disseminating knowledge.
“Dr. Borah’s wealth of experience related to creating and building the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness make her an ideal leader for MCSI as it continues to develop from its strong foundation,” said Dean Cole. “These assets as well as many other Elisa brings to her new role, make me excited about what lies ahead for MCSI, as well as for those the Institute serves.”
The mission of the Moritz Center is to help align interdisciplinary efforts in research and scholarship, curriculum and instruction, and partnerships with community stakeholders to solve critical social problems. Created in 2022, MCSI provides grants to help pilot or evaluate promising research related to health, behavior health, disability, aging, children and families, housing, ethics, and more.