The next chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center said he’s excited to continue “moving boldly forward together” after being unanimously appointed to the position by the Board of Regents on Thursday.
H. Dele Davies will serve as the ninth chancellor of UNMC, effective July 1.
He has served as UNMC’s interim chancellor since July 2024, and said he was honored by the appointment.
“It has been a privilege to serve as interim chancellor and to work alongside so many dedicated faculty, staff and students across our campuses,” Davies said in a press release. “Our best work is still in front of us, and I am energized by the opportunity to continue moving boldly forward together.”
Davies was hired at UNMC in 2012 as the vice chancellor for academic affairs and the dean for graduate studies. He was named senior vice chancellor in 2017, a role he held until being named interim chancellor.
NU President Jeffrey Gold said he’s excited for Davies to take on the role permanently.
“Dr. Davies is a creative, forward-thinking and incredibly effective leader who cares deeply about patients, faculty, staff and students and the future of medical care in our state,” Gold said in the release. “I am thrilled that he will be the permanent chancellor of UNMC, and I look forward to the impact and momentum of the campus under his leadership.”
In the two years he served as interim chancellor, Davies traveled across the state, meeting with students, alumni, community members and other stakeholders in search of ways to enhance UNMC’s academic programs and build the most learner-centered health science center in the nation.
Davies thanked Gold and the regents for his appointment, and expressed gratitude to the UNMC, Nebraska Medicine and University of Nebraska communities for supporting his efforts during his two years in the interim role.
“UNMC’s mission has never been more important,” Davies said. “Together, we will continue educating the next generation of health professionals, advancing discovery and strengthening the health of communities across Nebraska and beyond.”