To the Students, Faculty and Staff of the University of Nebraska Medical Center:
My family and I want to thank you again for your support and well-wishes as I transition from UNMC into this new role at the University of Nebraska. Serving as your chancellor has been a true privilege, and I am fortunate that we will be able to continue to work closely together to move our entire University system forward.
Today I am sharing the exciting news with you that I have asked Dr. Dele Davies, our Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the past 12 years, to serve as Interim UNMC Chancellor, effective immediately and subject to formal approval by the Board of Regents. I am tremendously grateful that Dele has agreed to serve in this well-earned role and I know you will join me in offering him your full support and congratulations.
Of course, as a longtime member of our campus and an internationally known scholar, Dr. Davies is no stranger to our community. During his time at UNMC, Dr. Davies has led our academic enterprise to unprecedented success, with growth in our student programs, campus footprint and overall enrollment. More than that, he is deeply passionate about our mission to improve the lives of Nebraskans and people around the world, and he is a strong and steady advocate for student and faculty excellence. I am confident that Dr. Davies is the right person to seamlessly carry forward the momentum that all of you have built together while we formulate plans for permanent leadership at UNMC.
I have pledged to Dr. Davies that I will do all I can to support him through this transition, and I know he is eager to connect with you as he leads UNMC into its next chapter. I anticipate that he will communicate his plans for interim leadership of academic affairs and graduate studies with the campus soon.
Thank you for all you do for UNMC. Please take time to rest and recharge this holiday week, and I look forward to engaging with you again soon.
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
President, University of Nebraska System