IHAC Leadership Transition Announcement

After 15 successful years as the founding executive director of the Institute for Human–Animal Connection (IHAC), Clinical Professor Philip Tedeschi has decided to step down from the executive director role on June 1, 2021, and return to teaching full time at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work. Philip will continue to teach and be involved with the Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate and online professional development programs. Research Associate Professor Kevin Morris, the American Humane Endowed Chair, will serve as the new executive director.

IHAC is an international leader in training and research due to Phil and his visionary approach to the human-animal bond. Under Phil’s leadership, IHAC’s programs have grown tremendously. Many new projects, including groundbreaking education opportunities, have been implemented as the team grew and transformed alongside the burgeoning field of human-animal-environment interactions. With Phil’s recruitment of Kevin Morris to the team in 2014, IHAC also added a robust research portfolio to its mission and has built and managed an extensive research program, which trains more than 50 Master of Social Work students each year in social science research methods.

As alumna, donors, and friends of the Institute, your support is critical. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions or reach out to schedule a virtual visit or call to learn more. We look forward to the next chapter of the Institute under Kevin's leadership.

Join us in thanking Phil for his incredible vision and work to develop what has become a global practice focused on the bond between humans, animals, and the environment by making a donation today.