UW News

September 4, 1997

UW President Richard L. McCormick names acting dean of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine

University of Washington President Richard L. McCormick today (Thursday, Sept. 4) named Dr. Patricia A. Wahl acting dean of the UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine, subject to approval by the University’s Board of Regents.
Wahl, a UW professor of biostatistics, has been associate dean of public health since 1985.

Wahl replaces Dr. Gilbert S. Omenn, who has been named executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Michigan.

“Gil Omenn worked with tireless personal energy and dedication to strengthen health promotion programs and research throughout Washington state and America,” McCormick said. “The University of Washington is fortunate to have had him in its midst for so long.”

McCormick also thanked Wahl. “I am grateful for her willingness to take on this assignment. Pat has been associate dean for 12 years and will provide excellent leadership and stability in a time of transition.”

A search committee will be appointed soon, McCormick added, to begin the task of identifying leading national candidates to fill the vacancy created by Omenn’s departure.