After serving as the assistant dean for graduate education with distinction since the position was created in 2011, Roy Hawke, Ph.D., is stepping down in conjunction with his decision to retire. Associate Professor Michael Jarstfer, Ph.D., succeeded Hawke as assistant dean effective March 1.
“Our graduate students and faculty owe Roy a big debt of gratitude for his selfless and tireless service on their behalf,” said Dhiren Thakker, Ph.D., interim dean of the School. “On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of the School, I am happy to welcome Mike to his new role and thank Roy for providing excellent leadership and service to our graduate program and students.”
The assistant dean for graduate education serves as the director of graduate studies, representing the graduate program to the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School. The assistant dean oversees the academic and administrative aspects of the graduate program, chairs the Graduate Education Committee, serves as a member of the Executive Committee and advocates for graduate students and their leadership organizations.
Jarstfer has been a faculty member at the School since 2001 when he joined the Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry as an assistant professor. He was promoted to his current rank of associate professor in 2007. Jarstfer is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Training Program, and the Institute for Developmental Disabilities.
During his tenure at the School, Jarstfer has served as the divisional director of graduate studies and divisional director of graduate admissions, a member of the Graduate Education Committee, faculty adviser and sponsor for the Graduate Student Organization and faculty adviser and mentor for 10 CBMC graduate students.
This assistant dean for graduate education reports to the associate dean for research and graduate education and works closely with the associate dean to lead the curricular transformation of the School’s graduate program. The position, in collaboration with the Office of Postdoctoral Fellows, provides oversight for mentoring and career development of postdoctoral fellows in the School.