The name more accurately reflects the scientific research happening in the department.
One of the departments in Texas Tech University's College of Human Sciences is getting a new name, which leaders say better explains the breadth of research that takes place in the department.
The Department of Community, Family and Addiction Services is now Community, Family and Addiction Sciences (CFAS). Department chairman Sterling Shumway said the old name focused on the services the department provided the Texas Tech and Lubbock communities. While those are critical, the new name emphasizes how much research is happening in the department and how that research is applied to community services.
Human Sciences Dean Linda Hoover, who supported the change, called it an appropriate step.
“At its inception, the term ‘services' was an accurate reflection of the applied nature and intent of the department and its undergraduate degree,” Hoover said. “However, since that time the department has evolved into a multi-faceted department that also contributes important research findings to the disciplines represented in that department.”
The name change originated in the department, the Faculty Council approved it and the necessary coordinating board was notified. The change is being implemented, but Shumway said the process will take some time. He anticipates it to be complete by the fall semester and said the change was a long time in coming.
“The word ‘sciences' is much more broad than ‘services,'” Shumway said. “In this academic setting, where we consider theory, practice and research, the word ‘sciences' is much more fitting of the work our faculty, students and staff are involved in.”
In addition to the name change, the department has reorganized its institutes and centers. In the Institute for the Study of Addiction, Recovery and Families, which Shumway and professor Kitty Harris head, are three centers: the Center for Family Systems Research and Intervention, directed by professors Nicole Springer and Douglas Smith; the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities, directed by professor Thomas Kimball; and the Center for Addiction Recovery Research, directed by professor Spencer Bradshaw.
There will be an open house from 3-6 p.m. Friday (April 24) to showcase the new institute. The open house, held in the College of Human Sciences, will include tours of the remodeled research suite, the neuroscience laboratory and the marriage and family therapy clinic. The public is invited.