2 new deans to join faculty

The new leaders of two of UNC’s professional schools were confirmed yesterday at a meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. John Williams, dean of the school of dentistry at the University of Louisville, will take the head slot at the School of Dentistry.

Barbara Rimer, an alumni distinguished professor in the School of Public Health, will fill that school’s post.

“They’re both great appointments,” said Richard “Stick” Williams, chairman of the BOT.

“Both of these schools are so important to the University, and it’s good to have the leadership on campus behind them.”

Rimer, who also serves as deputy director for population sciences at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, will assume her new role June 1.

Margaret Dardess, who has served as interim dean of the school durning the search process, said she is delighted with the appointment.

“She will provide true leadership to take the school to a new level,” Dardess said. “She will bring challenges to take the school into the 21st century.”

Rimer said the school will focus on several key areas in the next few years, including obesity, global health and national security.

“We will take care that what we learn in academic research will get translated into practice,” she said.

“By solving problems it will enable people to lead healthier lives.”

Chancellor James Moeser said Rimer is a good fit for the job. He said that she has a record of excellent cancer research as a faculty member and that he was impressed by her commitment to serving the state.

He also noted the importance of the position.

“This is one of the highest-ranked schools of its kind in the country,” he said.

In 2003, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school tied for second in the nation.

Williams will assume the post of dean of the School of Dentistry on May 31 after spearheading efforts at UL’s dental school since 1999.

He has experience in both private and public dental practice and serves as chairman of site review teams for the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.

On Jan. 1, Dr. John Stamm retired after 15 years at the school.

Dr. Ken May, interim dean and associate dean for administration and planning, said he is confident about Williams’ approval.

“I think the faculty have been anxiously awaiting through the search, and now they have an answer,” May said. “He should mesh well with the students and faculty.”

Williams said he is honored to move to a school that has a tradition of academic excellence and scholarship.

“I am very student-oriented,” he said.

“I would like to have the opportunity to work with students and help them become role models for future dentists.”

Contact the University Editor udesk@unc.edu.