Peter Buirski, dean of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP), will step down and work as a half-time faculty member starting next fall. His decision comes after serving as dean since 1993.

“With a newly renovated Ammi Hyde Building, APA reaccredidation for more than seven years, an outstanding staff and faculty and a deep applicant pool, GSPP is in a very healthy and strong position,” said Buirski in an email to staff and faculty of the school. “Starting from a position of strength seems like the ideal place for which to plan for change.”

Buirski plans to continue being involved with the school and will serve as a half time faculty member, teaching courses and co-running his yearlong psychotherapy seminar.

“I really enjoy teaching and the clinical supervision of students,” said Buirski.

He came to the university in 1991 after receiving his doctorate in psychology from Adelphi University.

In his time as dean, Buirksi initiated many changes within the GSPP.

He said one of his greatest successes was helping convince the DU Board of Trustees to allow the college to separate from the university and become its own graduate school.

Buirski cites success in the fact the school has grown to more than two times the size it was when it first branched off from the university.

The faculty has expanded from eight to 21 members since its inception, and the school now offers three programs instead of the one initially offered as well as three masters programs.

“My work at GSPP and the enduring friendships I’ve formed here have made the last 20 years the most challenging, fulfilling and satisfying of my professional life,”  he said in an email.

Provost Gregg Kvistad has formulated a search committee to be headed by James Herbert Williams, the dean of the Graduate School of Social Work.

The person appointed by the committee will begin work in September 2012.