FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Communications and Marketing

Sheila Champlin – (901) 448-4957

 

 

Hershel P. Wall, MD, Appointed Interim Chancellor

 

of the UT Health Science Center

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Memphis, Tenn. (April 11, 2007) -- Today, UT President John Petersen appointed Hershel P. Wall, MD, as interim chancellor of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).  Dr. Wall is a professor and executive associate dean for admissions and student affairs, who has served as interim dean for the UTHSC College of Medicine, Memphis, since November 2005.  A 1960 graduate of the UT College of Medicine, Memphis campus, Dr. Wall has served the university for more than 40 years.  Dean Wall assumes the responsibilities relinquished by William F. Owen, Jr., MD, who is departing UTHSC for another position.

“Pat Wall has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is a trusted leader at the Health Science Center,” said UT President John Petersen.  “He has built a strong network of contacts in the Memphis medical community and established a positive rapport with our hospital partners and affiliate organizations.  I have every confidence in Dr. Wall’s ability to lead the Health Science Center through this period of transition.”

President Petersen noted, “We are beginning the search for a new chancellor immediately.  Dr. Wall will join us in working with Memphis community leaders and seeking other local input in conducting a national search for the highest-caliber leadership for the Health Science Center.

“Chancellor Owen has brought visionary leadership and helped begin the process toward a bold strategic direction for the Health Science Center, and we are grateful to him both for his critical leadership and for his assistance in this transition.  Throughout this process, one thing is certain — the strategic direction and course for the Health Science Center will not change.

“UT will continue to build a superb academic health science center that provides the best in preparation for careers in the medical field while providing service to our state, region and nation through teaching and research.  We will maintain our specific emphasis on delivering a high level of clinical care service.”

The College of Medicine recognized Dr. Wall in 1994 as the Outstanding Alumnus.  In 2000, he was honored by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics as Pediatrician of the Year.  In 2004, he received the Exemplary Service Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Student Affairs.  Dr. Wall also has been recognized by the UT National Alumni Association with awards for distinguished public and community service, student mentorship and outstanding teaching.

As the flagship statewide academic health system, the UT Health Science Center is focused on a four-tier mission of education, research, clinical care and public service, all in support of a single goal: to improve the health of Tennesseans.  Offering a broad range of postgraduate training opportunities, the main campus, which includes six colleges, is located in Memphis.  UTHSC has additional College of Medicine campus locations in Knoxville and Chattanooga.  For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu.

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