Toxicology Prof. Martin Philbert, senior associate dean for research in the School of Public Health, has been named the dean of the School of Public Health, according to a press release issued by the University yesterday.
University Provost Philip Hanlon said in the press release that he’s excited about Philbert’s promotion, which is still pending approval by the University’s Board of Regents.
“President Coleman and I are very pleased that Dr. Philbert is assuming this vital leadership role in the School of Public Health,” Hanlon said in the press release. “We are confident that he will provide impressive leadership for the School of Public Health, strengthening an already excellent school.”
Philbert said in the press release that he is excited to work with faculty, staff and students in the School of Public Health and at the University as a whole to further develop the field of public health in Michigan and the United States as well as around the world.
“I look forward to working with our talented and dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni, with our collaborators across campus, and with our external stakeholders to find new and innovative ways to bridge the divide between scholarly discovery and the widespread adoption of the best public health practices,” he said in the press release.
Philbert will replace current Dean Kenneth Warner, who is stepping down from the position in order to return to teaching and research, according to a May press release issued by the School of Public Health.
Philbert received his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the College of Arts and Technology in Cambridge, United Kingdom in 1984, followed by a Ph.D. in neurochemistry and experimental neuropathology from London University in 1987, according to the press release.
Before coming to the University in 1995, Philbert worked as an associate professor at Rutgers’ Neurotoxicology Laboratories, the press release states.
Philbert began at the University as an assistant professor of toxicology, and was promoted over time to his current position as senior associate dean for research and professor of toxicology.
Philbert’s research projects and interests include experimental neuropathology and the treatment of tumors of malignant gliomas, according to the School of Public Health website.
A number of deans appointed in the last few years have also been promoted from jobs within the University, including Medical School Dean James Woolliscroft in 2007, College of Engineering Dean David Munson in 2006 and College of Education Dean Deborah Loewenberg Ball in 2005.
Philbert will officially take the position on Jan. 1, 2011, according to the press release.