Appointment of Interim Dean of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

June 22, 2012

UCLA Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

To:  Administrative Officers, Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, Fielding School of Public Health Faculty and Staff, and Vice Chancellors

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to inform you that Distinguished Professor Thomas Rice has accepted Chancellor Block’s and my request to serve as interim dean of the Fielding School of Public Health, effective July 1, 2012.

A member of the UCLA faculty since 1991, Tom brings to this role many years of academic leadership and service, and an outstanding research and teaching career. He is distinguished professor of health services, and he served as the health services department chair from 1996 to 2000 and from 2003 to 2004. He also was vice chancellor for academic personnel from 2006 to 2011, serving as the senior campus official responsible for academic appointments, promotions, advancements, recruitment and retention. A health economist, Tom was editor of the journal Medical Care Research and Review from 1994 to 2000, has testified on health policy issues before the U.S. Congress numerous times, and was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 2006. His areas of interest include health insurance, competition, physicians’ economic behavior and Medicare.

I have asked Tom, in his role as interim dean, to focus on academic personnel, budget and preparation for fall quarter courses. I very much appreciate his willingness to fill this critical role during this period of transition for the school.

The chancellor and I hope to bring the search for a permanent dean to a successful conclusion shortly, and we look forward to announcing an appointment soon. I also want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Linda Rosenstock for her outstanding service as dean since November 2000.

Chancellor Block and I have every confidence that the school will continue to function smoothly under Tom’s capable and seasoned leadership. Please join me in welcoming him into this important post.

Sincerely,

Scott L. Waugh
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost