Dear Colleagues, Staff, and Friends,

I want to make you aware that I have accepted a position as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), beginning April 1, 2012. This opens an exciting new phase in my life and allows me to expand and utilize my skill sets to serve across six excellent different health related colleges (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health, Public Health) at this statewide institution. UNMC is an emerging medical center with over $125 million in research funding and a primary care training program that is ranked seventh in the nation, a rural medicine program ranked fifteenth along with several other nationally ranked programs in nursing, allied health and pharmacy.

It has been a tremendous privilege serving the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University for the past nine years in this wonderful community. I am humbled by the professionalism of each and every one of you and your commitment, not only to your work, but also to the wonderful children of East Lansing. The Department of Pediatrics in East Lansing is in excellent financial and human resource shape, and we continue to add new faculty members and staff and build clinical programs.

The vision and ground work has been laid for long term strength within the community. I thank you all for your strong support of my leadership and your outstanding and ongoing contributions that have enabled the department to be recognized both locally and nationally. During the next few months, I will work with an Interim Department Chair to be appointed by Dean Rappley to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and I will continue to give my best while I am here.

God Bless You All,
Dele Davies