In what she called “a moment of opportunity and growth for us all,” Kendra Schmid, PhD, has been appointed interim dean of graduate studies upon the ascension of Dele Davies, MD, to interim chancellor of UNMC.
Dr. Davies, who led UNMC Graduate Studies and served as UNMC’s chief academic officer for more than a decade, succeeded Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, who now serves as president of the University of Nebraska System.
“We congratulate Dr. Davies on this significant achievement and are thrilled for the positive impact he will have on our university and community,” Dr. Schmid said. “I am honored to step into this role and am eager to continue and grow the remarkable work started under Dr. Davies’ leadership.”
Karen Gould, PhD, also has been appointed interim executive associate dean of graduate studies.
“I am excited to welcome this team,” Dr. Davies said.
Dr. Schmid said the team remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration and academic excellence thrive. “I am excited to hear your ideas, address your concerns and work together to create an even more vibrant and supportive community,” she said. “Our team is here to assist you every step of the way, so please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.”
Dr. Davies said UNMC Graduate Studies is in good hands.
“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 was also named the interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, after serving 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.
Dr. Gould also has been appointed interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs. 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.”