H. Dele Davies, M.D., M.S., M.H.C.M., has been named vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The appointment, which is pending approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its Jan. 27 meeting, is effective April 1. Dr. Davies is currently professor and chairman of the Pediatrics and Human Development Department at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing.
He will succeed Rubens Pamies, M.D., who died on Feb. 26 in his native Haiti. Dr. Pamies held the position for eight years.
Since Dr. Pamies’ death, David Crouse, Ph.D., has served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies, postponing his retirement to fill this post during the national search process.
“Dele is a recognized expert in pediatric infectious diseases. The combination of his expertise, leadership skills, academic credentials and passion for community work make him the right individual to lead our academic efforts,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “He is a wonderful person who truly enjoys being part of a team dedicated to excellence. I thank the search committee for identifying this outstanding candidate.”
Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Davies has lived in England, Canada and the United States. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto Medical School. Dr. Davies also holds a master’s degree in community health from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in health care management from Harvard School of Public Health.
“I am honored to join UNMC,” Dr. Davies said. “It is an outstanding university that is held in high regard around the country. UNMC’s growth has been incredible. I can’t wait to connect with colleagues and community partners to tackle health challenges in new ways.”
Dr. Davies, 50, joined Michigan State University in 2003 in his present position. Prior to that, he served on the faculty at the University of Calgary (1994-2002) and at the University of Toronto from (1992-1993).
Driven by opportunities to improve community health, he created an Obesity Council at Michigan State to bring diverse faculty members together to collaboratively tackle and apply for grants designed to discover innovative solutions to the obesity problem. His efforts led to increased grant submissions and a book titled, “Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence.”
Dr. Davies has held leadership positions in local, state, regional and national organizations. He has received numerous awards including election into the Society for Pediatric Research, the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Pediatric Society and election as a fellow of theInfectious Diseases Society of America.
He was twice awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award for Overall Excellence while at the University of Calgary. He is active in the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, currently serving as the group’s secretary-treasurer and serves on a National Institutes of Health study section reviewing training grants.
He has a strong track record of faculty and student mentorship, Dr. Maurer said, and his proven administrative skills will enhance UNMC’s academic focus and continue the momentum surrounding UNMC’s educational enterprise.
His research focuses on infectious diseases involving streptococcal disease. He is author of more than 145 peer reviewed or juried publications and is currently a co-investigator on a $7.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a $5.6 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Dr. Davies currently serves as a journal reviewer for more than 15 scientific journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of Pediatrics and the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.