Richard James Gelles, the Joanne T. and Raymond B. Welsh Professor in Child Welfare and Family Violence and a leading theorist and researcher in the study of family violence, was named interim dean by the School of Social Work.

Gelles helped establish family violence as a contemporary social issue with his book, “Behind Closed Doors,” published in 1980. Since then, he has played a leading role in shaping debate and study in this area. For example, Gelles’ participation was critical in two national family violence surveys, which are the most frequently cited research in both national and international scholarly works on this issue. Prior to arriving at Penn, Gelles served as director of the family violence research program at the University of Rhode Island. In addition to fulfilling a variety of administrative roles there, he served as department chair and dean of arts and sciences. Gelles assumed his new post as interim dean Sept. 1.

Janice Marini can boast extensive experience in events planning, from the Royal Shakespeare Company in London to Penn’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations. She now adds another one to her list, rejoining Penn as executive director of Ceremonies and Special Events.

Put them in, Coach

Matt Hogan was named head coach of the men’s lacrosse program. Previously, Hogan served as the lacrosse team assistant coach and defensive and faceoff coordinator at the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. During his time there, the team made five NCAA tournament appearances, including a quarterfinal appearance in 1989.

James Martel has succeeded Demer Holleran as head coach of the women’s squash program. Since the sport’s inception at Penn in 1972, there have been only two other head coaches for the women’s squash team. Martel previously spent six years as the professional squash coach at the Glenway Country Club in Newmarket, Ontario.