Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC, recently announced the appointments of interim leaders in UNMC Graduate Studies.
Effective immediately:
- Kendra Schmid, PhD, will become interim dean of graduate studies and interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.
- Karen Gould, PhD, will become interim executive associate dean of graduate studies and interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs.
“I am excited to welcome this team,” Dr. Davies said.
“Dr. Schmid has been an innovator and has been an impactful voice for UNMC accreditations and student enrollment efforts, and Dr. Gould has been a strong voice for educational programs, including leading important new efforts in mentorship for graduate faculty and student wellness.”
Dr. Davies added, “This is a strong team of leaders, who each has a demonstrated record of academic innovation and achievement. They have played valuable roles in such recent successes as our threefold increase in applicants, 62% increase in enrollment at the graduate college and a 12% reduction in student attrition. These are just a few of their many successes — and I am certain there are more to come.”
Dr. Schmid has served as assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs since 2020. She was named executive associate dean of graduate studies in 2022. She currently is a professor in the UNMC Department of Biostatistics, where she has served as interim chair, and serves as UNMC’s academic liaison to the Higher Learning Commission.
“I’m looking forward to this new role and continuing the strong course set for Graduate Studies under Dr. Davies’ leadership to ensure our students are supported and well-positioned for success,” Dr. Schmid said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support UNMC, colleagues and students during this time of transition.”
Dr. Gould was named assistant dean for graduate student success and campus-wide director of assessment in 2022. She also is deputy research integrity officer. She is a professor and vice-chair for faculty development in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to support academic affairs and graduate studies at UNMC by serving in these interim roles,” Dr. Gould said. “Our team is committed to providing stability through this period of change.”
“Students are the heart of UNMC,” Dr. Davies said. “As the interim chancellor, I know that, with Drs. Schmid and Gould in these important roles, our students’ success will continue to be at the forefront of everything we do.”