Paul Gardner, PhD, an anatomy professor at UNMC for three decades who became a leader in academic affairs and graduate studies, died on April 22.
Dr. Gardner, who earned his doctorate in human anatomy from UNMC in 1963, first became an instructor at UNMC in 1964 before being promoted to assistant professor in 1965 and associate professor in 1970.
In 1977, he became a professor and vice chairman of the department of anatomy in the UNMC College of Medicine.
Dr. Gardner retired in 1995 as UNMC’s assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and associate dean for graduate studies and research, with other interim appointments as vice chancellor for academic affairs and as dean for graduate studies and research. In all, he served 31 years at UNMC, with another 10 years as emeritus professor in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy.
James Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine, said, “I had the dual pleasure of being a medical student while Dr. Gardner was teaching anatomy, then years later working with him when I joined the dean’s office. His contributions to UNMC spanned decades, as his contributions benefited thousands of students.”
Jane Meza, PhD, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, said, “Dr. Gardner was a dedicated professor whose contributions to academic affairs and graduate studies at UNMC are highly valued. His commitment to education and research left an indelible mark on our institution and all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Upon his retirement, Dr. Gardner was credited with offering invaluable administrative service, particularly in graduate studies and continuing education, helping develop two core research facilities and assisting in implementing strategic planning.
“I’ve seen this institution grow from a college of medicine with a school of nursing to the internationally known medical center of today,” Dr. Gardner said in 1995. “I’ve served six deans of the college of medicine, five chancellors and have seen UNMC’s faculty grow from largely volunteers to almost 700 full-time members.”
Dr. Gardner’s obituary said that he will be remembered for his dedication, thoughtfulness, compassion and quiet sense of humor. Read his full obituary at this link.
A funeral service was held April 25 in Yutan, Nebraska.
DiAnna Hemsath, assistant professor with the McGoogan Health Sciences Library, provided research for this article.