Dean of the School of Public Health to retire

Richard-KurzRichard Kurz, PhD, Dean of the School of Public Health since 2007, will retire Aug. 31 from UNT Health Science Center.

Dr. Kurz oversaw all academic, research and service activities of the School of Public Health. Under his leadership, the school launched a number of successful initiatives, including a Master of Health Administration program, a new doctorate in Public Health program and the Texas Prevention Institute.

He was recognized in the Dallas Business Journal’s Who’s Who in Health Care—25 People Who Are Changing the Industry in North Texas. He also was a recipient of the Texas Public Health Association’s 2013 President’s Award.

“We greatly appreciate Dr. Kurz’ leadership and his vision for the School of Public Health,” said Thomas Yorio, PhD, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Dr. Kurz also has been very active in leading community collaborations designed to study and solve some of our most pressing health issues, such as infant mortality.”

Dennis Thombs, PhD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, will serve as interim dean while a national search is conducted. 

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