James O. Armitage, M.D., an internationally recognized expert in the research and treatment of lymphoma, has resigned as dean of the College of Medicine at UNMC, effective Sept. 1. He plans to stay at UNMC, focusing his efforts on medical students and his clinical and research interests.
“I have held an administrative position in the College of Medicine for the past 13 years,” said Dr. Armitage, who was named to his current position in 2000, after having been the chairman of the department of internal medicine for a decade. “I’m excited to again be a professor of medicine and return to the rewards and challenges of teaching, clinical research and patient care.
“I think that we have a wonderful College of Medicine, and I’m very proud of it. It has been gratifying to work with so many outstanding professionals during my time as an administrator. I will continue to value and cultivate those relationships as I move on to this new period of my professional life.”
Successful tenure
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“Facing the budget reductions has been challenging to everyone, but Jim has tackled that successfully,” Dr. Maurer said. “Needless to say, I regret to see him leave the post, but wish him well as he returns to full time hematology/oncology, which is his true love.”
UNMC’s College of Medicine comprises 18 departments and 14 sections within those departments. Its mission is to improve the health of Nebraskans through premier education programs, innovative research, the highest quality patient care and outreach to underserved populations.
Dr. Gollan: “We welcome him back”
John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the department of internal medicine, said Dr. Armitage’s outstanding academic stature, his leadership style and his amiable personality were the main reasons he joined UNMC.
“His leadership style has greatly enhanced our department’s ability to introduce change and to develop new programs in an efficient and effective manner,” Dr. Gollan said. “Although we will miss him as the dean, we welcome him back as a full-time professor in our hematology/oncology section.”
Dr. Cowan: He has shaped the future
The recruitment of Dr. Gollan is an example of Dr. Armitage’s work in positioning the College of Medicine for future positive growth, said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
“There’s been a number of important recruitments that he has made, and he has provided important leadership in helping define the College of Medicine,” Dr. Cowan said. “With the new research building and the tobacco settlement funding, and despite the current economic situation in the state, the College of Medicine is well-positioned to take the next step forward in future growth. Dr. Armitage has been an important part of shaping that future.”
Dr. Armitage’s career
Born in California and raised in Kearney, Neb., Dr. Armitage is a 1973 UNMC graduate. In 1982, he began the bone marrow transplantation program at UNMC. He served as chief of the section of oncology/hematology from 1986 to 1989 and before being named as chairman of the department of internal medicine in 1990.
Dr. Armitage is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. He is a member of several professional organizations as well as serving on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed journals.
He serves on numerous national and international committees and is a Fellow of both the American and Royal College of Physicians, a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board, past-president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and past -president of the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. He has authored or coauthored 350 articles, 50 book chapters, 325 abstracts, and is the editor of 12 books. He and his wife, Nancy, are parents to four children.