SAPAC names new director

Johanna Soet has been named director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC), effective Oct. 17.

(Photo by Scott Galvin, U-M Photo Services)

"This is a very exciting hire for SAPAC and the Division of Student Affairs," says Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, associate dean of students. "Johanna's background and experience in sexual assault education, prevention, research and intervention make her an ideal person to advance the mission and vision of SAPAC at this critical time. We're very fortunate to have her join us in this leadership role."

Since 2003, Soet has worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Counseling & Psychological Services. Before coming to U-M, she was a senior associate faculty member at the Emory University Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education within the Rollins School of Public Health.

Soet received her bachelor's degree in general studies from U-M; her master of arts in health education, specializing in sexuality, from Columbia University; and her doctorate in counseling psychology from Georgia State University.

She has extensive clinical, research, outreach, teaching and training experience related to issues of sexualized violence. In 1988, she served as a student volunteer at SAPAC, was trained as a peer educator, and participated in the planning and marketing of educational programs. She also planned and implemented the first summer program offered to incoming first-year students on issues of sexual violence and alcohol and drug use.

While at Emory, she engaged in grant-writing and conducted research on topics such as trauma, sexuality and sexual health.

SAPAC offers support and educational services to U-M students, staff, faculty and their families related to sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, sexual harassment and stalking. The center operates a 24-hour crisis line (734-936-3333) and around-the-clock outreach services.

For more information about SAPAC, visit http://www.umich.edu/~sapac or call (734) 998-9368.