UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., has appointed David Crouse, Ph.D., as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and interim dean for graduate studies. The appointment, subject to approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, would be effective June 1.
“I’m delighted to have an individual of Dr. Crouse’s ability to serve in this interim capacity,” Dr. Maurer said. “He is extremely knowledgeable about the university and has contributed in many different ways during his career.” 
Dr. Crouse will replace William Berndt, Ph.D., who is retiring at the end of this month as vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for graduate studies. Dr. Crouse has served previously in the interim capacities for these positions. He filled those roles from 1996 to 1998, when Dr. Berndt served as UNMC chancellor.
Since 1998, Dr. Crouse has been the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate dean for graduate studies, focusing on the sponsored programs administration at UNMC. The sponsored programs office manages the submission of applications for outside funding to support research and other educational activities.
“I’m honored that the chancellor has asked me to serve in this role,” Dr. Crouse said. “It’s certainly an interesting, challenging time for this campus in which tremendous opportunities are available. I am happy to contribute in any way that I can.”
The position of the vice chancellor for academic affairs won’t be filled permanently until its structure is evaluated. A 12-member committee of UNMC administrators and faculty is looking at identifying the elements and skills needed for the position. After the committee presents its report to Dr. Maurer at the end of this month, he will select a committee to search for the best-suited candidate.
The position, Dr. Crouse said, already is dynamic, with “lots of different things to be pursued.”
Foremost will be continuing plans for a new educational center, for which campus officials are developing a program statement. The center would provide students with inter-disciplinary opportunities to learn in a state-of-the-art environment.
“That’s a very worthwhile project that has a high priority on our campus,” Dr. Crouse said.
In addition, Dr. Crouse said, he’ll work with Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D., UNMC vice chancellor for research, to continue the campus’ momentum in terms of external research funding. Other issues regarding regulatory compliance and bioterrorism preparedness also will merit attention in the coming months, Dr. Crouse said.
Recently, Dr. Crouse was instrumental in developing a report that identified the university’s strengths, gaps and opportunities, as they related to bioterrorism preparedness.
A UNMC faculty member since 1977, Dr. Crouse attained the rank of professor in the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy in 1987. In addition to his administrative work, Dr. Crouse’s professional career has focused on teaching and research.
He has:
- received the UNMC Golden Apple and Burlington-Northern awards for teaching excellence;
- served as principal investigator in research projects at UNMC that have resulted in more than $1 million in grants;
- published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters; and,
- served on and often chaired numerous university-wide, campus-wide and College of Medicine committees.
Dr. Maurer said that the campus would continue to pursue its goals with Dr. Crouse as interim vice chancellor.
“Dr. Crouse is extremely experienced in matters related to the vice chancellor for academic affairs position,” Dr. Maurer said. “With him in this position, we will continue to build a world-class educational program on this campus.”