Dr. Rich Tolman, the Sheldon D. Rose Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan, is a co-founder of The Papa Was Project. With a career focused on supporting fathers in positive parenting and partnering, Rich also works to prevent intimate partner violence during pregnancy. He co-leads the Michigan Action Plan for Father Involvement, a statewide initiative. Rich’s personal experience as a father of two grown daughters and a grandfather to a 3-year-old grandson informs his professional dedication to strengthening family bonds.