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Robert Smith III, PhD, currently is associate chair for administration in the Department of Neurology. He will begin his new role on Feb. 28.


Robert Smith III, PhD, associate chair for administration in the Department of Neurology at the UNC School of Medicine, has been named vice dean of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, beginning Feb. 28. 

During his 10 years at the School of Medicine, he has been the senior administrator in the chair’s office focused on policy development and implementation, including financial planning and management, strategic planning, human resources management, and information systems design and delivery. Many of these areas will fall under his responsibility at the Gillings School. 

“We look forward to drawing on Robert’s deep knowledge and rich experience at Carolina and his commitment to public health,” said Barbara K. Rimer, DrPH, MPH, Alumni Distinguished Professor and dean of the Gillings School. “The leadership team will be greatly enhanced by his presence. His academic training and broad administrative experience at the School of Medicine will be a boon to Gillings.” 

Prior to joining UNC-Chapel Hill, Smith was the director of human resources consulting at the University of Virginia. Before that, he held the role of chief administrative officer at the University of Virginia in the department of pediatrics, where he previously held the same post in obstetrics and gynecology.