Dr. Jean Wactawski-Wende, vice provost for strategic initiatives and research advancement, and professor and associate chair of the department of epidemiology and environmental health at the university of Buffalo SUNY School of Public Health and Health Professions, has been named interim dean of the school.
The appointment, announced by Dr. Charles F. Zukoski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Michael E. Cain, vice president for health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is effective July 1.
Dr. Wactawski-Wende succeeds Dr. Lynn T. Kozlowski, who is stepping down as dean June 30 to resume his role as a full-time faculty member in the department of community health and health behavior.
An international search for a new dean will begin this summer.
“We are grateful to Jean for her willingness to serve as interim dean during this transitional period,” Drs. Zukoski and Cain said in announcing Dr. Wactawski-Wende’s appointment. “Her strong research and leadership record will ensure that the School of Public Health and Health Professions will succeed as we are searching for a permanent dean.”