College of Applied Health Sciences Dean Fernhall Transition

Dear AHS community,

Late last fall, we announced that UIC College of Applied Health Sciences dean, Bo Fernhall, would step-down from his position as dean and return to the faculty later this year.

It is widely known that UIC faculty and researchers have national and international reputations as notable experts in their fields and impactful leaders in health professions education, discovery and service. Thus, it should come as no surprise that as Dean Fernhall announced his return to the faculty, he was courted for a transformative position at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Instead of resuming full-time teaching and research as professor of kinesiology and nutrition, Dean Fernhall has recently been appointed as the dean of the Manning College of Nursing and Health Science and Professor of Exercise Health Science starting August 2022.

As you know, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs is in the process of bringing dean candidates to campus to serve in this leadership position. We encourage you to take this opportunity to become familiar with these candidates and provide your feedback on their qualifications and experience.

The university and its academic health enterprise are immensely grateful for Dean Fernhall’s dedication and strategic approach to enhancing the awareness and programming of the academic, discovery and care delivery mission of the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences. Please join me in wishing Dean Fernhall continued success in the next chapter of his career.

Robert Barish
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs