A senior administrator for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and former assistant surgeon general, Ali Khan, M.D., M.P.H., has joined UNMC as the new dean of the College of Public Health.
“I look forward to being involved in nurturing the next generation of public health innovators and leaders and developing the science for new public health solutions,” he said of his appointment, which was effective July 1.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Khan has joined the UNMC leadership team,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “His public health skills and global leadership experience run the gamut. Among an incredibly strong field of finalists, he stood out as the individual whom we are confident will be able to lead the College of Public Health to new heights.
“With his vast experience and strong public health contacts around the world, he is someone who can make a difference and will elevate the college’s presence nationally and internationally.”
“Public health is fundamentally changing due to advances in technology, shifting demographics, globalization and new opportunities for preventive health care due to the Affordable Care Act,” Dr. Khan said.
“I’m eager to be at an institution that is committed to excellence with a strong partnership between the colleges and health care enterprise. We are in a unique position to help define the future of public health as the primary means to improve the health of individuals and our communities.
“Nebraska has an extremely engaged community. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue work with private industry, other public health entities, and the community who share a vision of transforming Nebraska into the healthiest state in the nation.”
Dr. Khan cited a number of things that attracted him to this position:
- A chancellor who is thinking five to 10 years in the future.
- The young and imaginative faculty and staff at the College of Public Health.
- Tremendous collegiality between the various UNMC colleges and clinical services.
- Passionate state and local public health practitioners.
- A generous community that already has built a new building for the college.
Dr. Khan becomes the third dean of the UNMC College of Public Health, which was founded in 2007. He succeeds Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., who held the post from 2009-2013.
Jane Meza, Ph.D., chair of the department of biostatistics in the College of Public Health, served as interim dean, and will continue to serve as senior associate dean for the college.