December 8, 2000
Volume XXXIII, No. 39

President announces promotions of leaders

Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, president, has announced several promotions and organizational changes designed to increase efficiency and streamline operations at the Health Science Center.

"I am confident that our team of professionals will provide pivotal leadership for our rapidly changing Health Science Center," he said. "The work of these capable individuals will enable me to concentrate on the important legislative session starting in January and to put increased emphasis on our fund-raising initiatives."

Dr. Steven A. Wartman has been appointed executive vice president for academic and health affairs. He will continue to serve as dean of the Medical School. A search for a vice dean for the Medical School to assist Dr. Wartman in his expanded role will be under way soon. The deans, the vice president for institutional effectiveness and planning, and the directors of the Briscoe Library, laboratory animal resources and MSRDP (the Medical Service Research and Development Plan) will report to Dr. Wartman.

James D. Kazen has been appointed executive vice president for administration. Facilities management, institutional safety and university police will report to him.

Judy P. Wolf has been named senior vice president for external affairs and has made the following appointments in that department: Dr. Charles G. Rodriguez as assistant vice president for university relations, Michael M. Crosby as assistant vice president for development and Will C. Sansom as news director.

Olson named as interim dean of UTHSC Graduate School

Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, president, announced Tuesday that Dr. Merle S. Olson, professor and chair of the department of biochemistry, has agreed to serve as interim dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences upon the retirement of Dr. Sanford A. Miller.

Dr. Olson will assume his new duties on Monday, Dec. 18.

"With the rest of the Health Science Center leadership, I look forward to working closely with Dr. Olson in the weeks and months to come," Dr. Cigarroa said.

Dr. Cigarroa has appointed Mary G. Etlinger as chief of staff and executive associate to the president.

Harry S. "Steve" Lynch Jr. has been named interim vice president for business affairs and chief business officer. The directors of grants management, accounting, human resources, historically underutilized business (HUB) programs, purchasing, general services, budget and finance, and business systems and technology will report to him.

Gayle Knight, assistant vice president for compliance, now reports directly to Dr. Cigarroa.