Professor Emerita, Family Studies and Human Development
Joining the CALS at UA in 1976 as a human development specialist, Dr. O’Brien served an associate director of Cooperative Extension until her retirement in 2003. She is the author of five books and numerous articles regarding child maltreatment, and, based on her book, she was invited to the White House Rose Garden for the signing of the Child Protection Act in 1984. To recognize her passion and her work in diversity, the CALS developed the Shirley J. O’Brien Award for
