(Courtesy of Touro University) Teaneck resident Dr. Steven Huberman, dean emeritus, professor and founding dean of the Touro College Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), received the school’s “Tree of Life” award recently for his devoted service to Touro for the past 16 years.

The award was presented to Dr. Huberman by Touro University Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Krupka at the school’s annual Academic Recognition Program, held at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.

“Steven has provided years of outstanding and dedicated service to Touro. He recruited and developed an exceptional and caring faculty and administrative staff, and successfully achieved accreditation of the master of social work program by the Council on Social Work Education,” said Rabbi Krupka.

Huberman was appointed founding dean of the GSSW in 2006 by Touro College Founding President Dr. Bernard Lander, ob”m.

Over the years, he has led curriculum development, and expanded community outreach and funding, including over $7.6 million to support new and innovative programming. Under his leadership, the GSSW has obtained multiple grants from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for disadvantaged students, and to help students prevent and treat opioid and other substance use disorders.

During his tenure the GSSW received the first “Social Work School of the Year” award from the National Association of Social Workers-New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC) and Dr. Huberman was recognized by the NASW as a “Top Leader in the Profession.”