Jean Lau Chin, dean of the Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University, was selected as this year's recipient of the County Executive's 2009 Woman of Distinction Award from the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs. She was recognized for her hard work, dedication, commitment, and involvement for making a difference in Nassau County and the broader Long Island community. She accepted this achievement on Monday, April 6, at the Ceremonial Chamber of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola.

Dr. Chin has served as dean of the Adelphi University Derner Institute since June 2006. She is a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years of experience as an administrator, educator, clinician, and consultant in the health, mental health, and human services fields. She has served as a faculty member at Boston University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, and was co-director of the Thom Clinic, executive director of South Cove Community Health Center, and president of CEO Services. Prior to accepting her Adelphi appointment, she served as systemwide dean and professor of the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.

In addition to her service to Adelphi, Dr. Chin has made a difference in the Long Island community. She is currently on the board of the Nassau County Mental Health Association, involved with the Chinese Center of Long Island, the Organization of Chinese Americans, and the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls. Dr. Chin's belief and focus "is that universities and communities need to work together in partnership to address the needs of communities, to promote social justice and issues of diversity."

Dr. Chin is a renowned author and co-author of many journal articles and books focusing on women's issues, cultural issues, Asian American, and ethnic minority issues. She received her Ed.D. and M.A. in school psychology from Columbia University, and B.S. in psychology from Brooklyn College. She is a resident of Bayville, NY. To learn more about the Derner Institute or Dean Chin, visit http://derner.adelphi.edu/.