In 1920, the first courses related to child and family development at UNCG were introduced by Dean Blanche Shaffer, who lead the School of Home Economics. A concentration in Child Development was established in the School of Home Economics in 1934. In 1936, it was renamed the Home Relationships and Child Development program and became one of seven specialized areas in the School of Home Economics. By 1969, Child Development had become its own major within the School of Home Economics. In 1987, the School of Home Economics was renamed “School of Human Environmental Sciences” and in 1991, the department name becomes “Human Development and Family Studies.” Today, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies focuses on educating the next generation of professionals and scholars, to generate new knowledge, and to foster the well-being of individuals and families in their everyday lives. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees.
Department Heads:
Margaret Edwards (1934-1951)
Katherine Roberts (1951-1955)
Naomi Albanese (1958-1982)
Jacqueline Voss (1982-1985)
Garrett Lange (1985-1988)
Dale Farran (1988-1994)
Edward Powers (1994-1996)
David Demo (1996-2007)
Daniel Perlman (2007-2011)
Mark Fine (2011-Unknown)
Catherine Scott-Little (Unknown- Current)
Department Names:
Child Development Concentration in the School of Home Economics (1933-1935)
Home Relationships and Child Development in the School of Home Economics (1935-1946)
Child Development and Home Relationship Courses in the School of Home Economics (1946-1956)
Child Development and Family Relations in the School of Home Economics (1956-1969)
Child Development Major in the School of Home Economics (1969-1980)
Department of Child Development and Family Relations in the School of Home Economics (1980-1985)
Department of Child Development and Family Relations (1985-1991)
Department of Human Development and Family Studies (1991-current)