University of Nebraska Medical Center 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.
Im delighted to have an individual of Dr. Crouses 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.
Im honored that the chancellor has asked me serve in this role, Dr.
Crouse said. Its 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 wont 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.
Thats a very worthwhile project that has a high priority on our campus,
Dr. Crouse said.
In addition, Dr. Crouse said, hell 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 universitys 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. Crouses 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.