Congratulations to associate professor Sung Rhee who has been approved by the College of Medicine Promotion and Tenure Committee to advance to the rank of Professor!  This promotion is effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Rhee joined the department in  2006 as a Research Assistant Professor. He entered the tenure track in 2009 as Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2012. Dr. Rhee has been the recipient of awards by NIH and the American Heart Association for his research on regulation of cardiovascular ion channels in cerebral arteries as it relates to hypertension and stroke. He has served as primary mentor for two graduate students and has been on numerous dissertation committees. In addition to his departmental contributions, Dr. Rhee is director of the cardiovascular module for medical students at UAMS and was the recipient of the Sophomore Golden Apple award for five consecutive years. Way to go Dr. Rhee!

Professor and Chair, Nancy Rusch, has accepted appointment  as Interim Executive Associate Dean for Research. Dr. Rusch was appointed by COM Dean Christopher Westfall to serve in this position beginning January 1, 2021 following the retirement of professor Richard Morrison, who currently holds the position. Dr. Rusch will fulfill this role until a permanent replacement is selected. She will continue to serve as Professor and Chair of the department during this time. Congratulations Dr. Rusch on accepting this important leadership position in the College of Medicine!