J. Michael Leibowitz, Ph.D., announced to the Munroe-Meyer Institute staff on Wednesday that he would be retiring in 2015. He did not immediately set a date for his retirement.
Dr. Leibowitz has been the director of MMI since May 1, 2009, after serving as interim director since Nov. 15, 2007.
Prior to being named the director, Dr. Leibowitz served as deputy director of MMI for 10 years. He also served as director of the Nebraska Center for Disabilities at MMI. He has been at MMI for 41 years.
“Dr. Leibowitz has been a tireless and visionary leader for the Munroe-Meyer Institute,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
“Since he took over as director in 2009, the institute has grown in stature both locally and nationally. With his emphasis on MMI’s educational, research, clinical and outreach missions, he and his staff have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children with developmental disabilities and their families. He will be a difficult man to replace, but we wish him well in his retirement.”
A search committee, led by the dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., is being formed to identify candidates to succeed Dr. Leibowitz, Dr. Gold said.
Curt Edic, secretary-treasurer of the Scottish Rite Foundation, an MMI collaborator, said Dr. Leibowitz had helped keep the two organizations’ RiteCare program, which assists children in overcoming speech and language disabilities, a growing and financially viable operation.
“He’s done a great job,” Edic said. “He’s always very congenial and easy to work with.”
“Dr. Leibowitz has had a distinguished career serving children with disabilities and their families, culminating in his appointment as the director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute,” said Steve McWhorter, president of the Hattie B. Munroe Foundation. “His compassion, leadership and thoughtful mentoring of both the Hattie B. Munroe operating and foundation boards will be sorely missed.”
A New York City native, Dr. Leibowitz received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University and his master’s degree in general psychology and doctoral degree in clinical and experimental psychology from the University of Maryland.
Before he launched his career at UNMC as director of psychological services, Dr. Leibowitz worked at Johns Hopkins University, where he was associate director of psychological services at the Kennedy Institute.
You have made an incredible impact!!
Carol
Mike has and continues to make significant contributions to our institution and faculties. He is a terrific communicator and an inspiring team player who played a vital role in forging neurosciences on campus. Most of all he is a mensch. Leadership is often defined as giving back in selfless acts. In such words Mike defines great leadership.
Mike is a Fantastic person and has been great to work with! The best of luck to you!
Congratulations, Mike! It was an honor to help shine the light on all the wonderful programs at MMI under your leadership! You'll be missed.
Wow — 41 years working at an institution that takes care of children and adults with developmental disabilities. That's what I call making a difference. Congrats on a great career, Mike. Enjoy your retirement — you deserve it!
Dr. Leibowitz was a model of collegiality, and a very strong proponent of research, including and particularly, translational research. I will miss his calm voice in many leadership discussions beyond those of MMI alone!
It has been a pleasure to serve the MMI Board of Directors under such a dedicated, caring leader!
Congratulations, Mike!
Mary Ann Pederson