Michael Patchner, Ph.D., Dean Emeritus and Professor

Former Dean and current Professor of the Indiana University School of Social Work, Michael Patchner, received the Indiana University Bicentennial Medal for his efforts as a leader in the Social Work community at IU and beyond. The Bicentennial Medal is awarded to individuals who, through their personal, professional, artistic, or philanthropic efforts, broadened Indiana University’s reach around the state, nation, and world.

As Dean of the IU School of Social Work, Patchner increased faculty by 75 percent, increased student enrollment, improved academic programs, and implemented a global perspective. Also, Patchner raised more money than anyone in school history during his first capital campaign. Following his first campaign, Patchner tripled the amount he first raised, resulting in the School’s largest single gift prior to 2019.

Outside of IUPUI, Patchner was appointed by Indiana’s governor to serve as Chairperson of the Indiana Commission on Abused and Neglected Children and their Families, making a difference in protecting the children of Indiana. Additionally, Patchner served as co-chair of the Indiana Commission on Disproportionality in Youth Services, which focuses on the disproportionate representation of minority youth in Indiana’s child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.

However, this is not Patchner’s first award that he has received for his leadership in the social work community. In May of 2018, Patchner received the IUPUI Chancellor’s Medallion from IUPUI Chancellor, Nasar H. Paydar. This award was given to Patchner in honor of his leadership, vision, social advocacy, and contributions to child welfare education, research, and scholarship at IUPUI.