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University honors Zimmerman with distinguished professorship

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has named School of Social Work professor Sheryl Zimmerman a Mary Lily Kenan Flagler Bingham Distinguished Professor.

This distinguished professorship is one of the most prestigious honors the University can bestow upon a faculty member. Zimmerman, a nationally-known expert in the field of aging, was approved for this highly competitive appointment by the UNC Board of Trustees on April 14.

Zimmerman is the director of aging research at the School of Social Work; director of UNC’s Interdisciplinary Certificate in Aging; co-director of UNC’s Interdisciplinary Center for Aging Research; co-director of the Program on Aging, Disability and Long-Term Care at UNC’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research; and an adjunct professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health.

Zimmerman’s research has focused on social gerontology, evaluation of practice, psychosocial aspects of health, dementia, hip fractures, and improving care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Her work in the field of residential long-term care for older adults has been highly influential for policy and practice.

“Dr. Zimmerman is an exceptionally productive, passionate and innovative scholar and mentor,” said School of Social Work Dean Jack Richman. “Her outstanding interdisciplinary research ability has gained national prominence in social work and in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics. We are so proud that the University has recognized this stellar professor.”
 
Photo of Sheryl Zimmerman