FORT WORTH, Texas – The University of North Texas Health Science Center will begin its new fiscal year Sept. 1 with a new administrative structure.

Two weeks after his arrival on campus, health science center President Dr. Ronald R. Blanck presented a plan for an administrative reorganization to the UNT Board of Regents. The Regents approved the new structure at their meeting August 24-25 at the UNT System Center at Dallas.

"This new structure takes full advantage of the expertise and resources we have at the health science center," Dr. Blanck said. "I can now devote my time toward strengthening our external relationships and developing new alliances. Through our combined efforts, the health science center can increase its reputation as an academic medical center known for its innovative work in education, research, and patient care."

A key aspect of the plan is the establishment of a provost position to lead the health science center’s academic programs. Dr. Benjamin L. Cohen was named provost and senior vice president for health affairs. Most recently, he served as interim president for the institution during the search for the new president. Gregory McQueen, PhD, associate vice president for health affairs, becomes vice provost for academic planning and budget.

The plan also creates a position of senior vice president for finance and administration. Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Steve Russell will be acting in that position.

Vice President for Governmental Affairs Dan Jensen gains an additional role at the UNT System level and becomes associate vice chancellor for governmental affairs. He will continue to have special responsibility for health science center issues and work directly with health science center leadership.

The new structure also names Adela Gonzalez to the post of vice president for strategic and institutional affairs. Her former title was vice president for administration and cultural diversity.

Other changes involve renaming administrative positions from dean to vice president. As a result, Robert Gracy, PhD, becomes associate vice president for research and biotechnology. Warren Anderson, EdD, is now the associate vice president for educational affairs. Mitchell Forman, DO, becomes the assistant vice president for student affairs.

Dr. Fernando Treviño continues as the dean of the School of Public Health, and Dr. Thomas Yorio is the dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Plans call for searches to be conducted for the dean of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) and for the institution’s vice president of advancement. Dr. Deborah Blackwell is serving as the acting TCOM dean while Gregory McQueen continues as the acting vice president of advancement.

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