University of Iowa appoints public health dean as interim provost

IOWA CITY - University of Iowa College of Public Health Dean Sue Curry will step in as interim provost when longtime Provost Barry Butler leaves in two weeks to take over as president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla.

UI President Bruce Harreld announced the appointment Monday, saying Curry will begin her interim role as vice president and provost on April 1. She has served the university as public health dean and professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy since 2008.

'Dr. Curry has demonstrated strong leadership in the College of Public Health, developing new programs focusing on core values of equity and justice, which are also core values of our institution,” Harreld said in a statement. 'I am pleased she is willing to take on this important role as we review our academic organizational structure and begin to implement our strategic plan.”

Harreld recently told The Gazette he's considering restructuring the provost role, and wants someone to serve as interim for as long as a year to give his administration time to explore alternatives.

In a statement, Curry said, she's excited for the opportunity.

'As dean of the College of Public Health, I have had the privilege to lead a highly productive and innovative unit dedicated to making a difference and creating brighter futures for people everywhere,” she said. 'In this new role, I look forward to working with colleagues across campus to ensure our university's continued academic excellence and national leadership.”

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