Dear students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,
On Monday, Sept. 18, I assume my new role as provost of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as the dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy for the past 14 years. Together, we have built the number one school in the nation and taken our place as a world leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Together, we have set the example for what can be accomplished at a public university and challenged other units and institutions to match our pace. Together, we have transformed education, practice and research in ways that benefit real people who will enjoy longer, happier, healthier lives thanks to the work we have done.
Dhiren Thakker, Ph.D., has agreed to step in as interim dean while the nationwide search for the next dean of the School is being conducted. For those of you who do not know Dhiren, the School could not be in better hands. He has been a member of the School’s faculty for more than 20 years and has served as associate dean for research and graduate education and for entrepreneurial development and global engagement. With Dhiren’s leadership and your support, I am confident the School will continue the positive momentum we have created.
Even though I am saying goodbye to you now, we are not truly parting ways. South Building is not far from Beard Hall, and as provost, I will continue to do all I can to support the success of students, alumni, faculty and staff in this school and all across Carolina. I look forward to offering our UNC colleagues the benefit of our knowledge and experience, and I am eager to share in the achievements and continued success of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. You have all made me very proud to have been your dean. Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Sincerely,
Bob Blouin