Dean Ruth Katz recently announced the appointment of Dr. Blaine Parrish as the School's new Acting Associate Dean for Student Affairs (replacing Dr. Kathy Hunting who is now serving as our Associate Dean for Academic Affairs).

Many of you may already know Dr. Parrish.  He has been with SPHHS since 2002 and currently holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Health Policy.  Since his arrival on campus, Dr. Parrish has been deeply engaged in all three missions of the School - teaching, research, and service.  Most recently, he has taken on teaching responsibilities in one of our two MPH multidisciplinary courses so he has had an opportunity to work with both students and faculty from across the School.

Dr. Parrish's doctoral degree is in the field of Organization and Management. His previous work experience includes positions with the federal government (HIV/AIDS Bureau within the Health Resources and Services Administration) as well as community-based organizations (AIDS Resources of Rural Texas).  In addition to his classroom experience here at SPHHS, Dr. Parrish has taught in the public school system of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Dr. Parrish will be serving in an acting capacity until all the appropriate related paperwork has been completed for his faculty appointment.  In the meantime, I think it's best for our students and faculty alike to have Dr. Parrish "on the job".  He is as eager as we are to get started; thus, his acting appointment will become effective March 1, 2008.  I fully expect this appointment to become permanent within a very short time.

Dr. Parrish is filling the position of Associate Dean for Student Affairs.  As such, he will focus his efforts almost exclusively on the interests of our students.  Issues related to faculty affairs will now come under the purview of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hunting.  Assigning these responsibilities to different associate deans should eliminate any conflict of interest -- real or perceived -- that may arise when a situation involving a faculty member and a student comes about.

Dean Katz expressed great pride and pleasure in Dr. Parrish's appointment, concluding, "When you have a moment, please join me in congratulating Dr. Parrish on his appointment.  I know you are looking forward to working with him as much I am."