Share this story

Dean Flotte announces new roles for three faculty members

Three faculty members will take on new roles next year, after the retirement of Deborah Harmon Hines, PhD, vice provost for school services, professor of radiology and professor in the Graduate School of Nursing, according to School of Medicine Dean Terence R. Flotte.

  Sonia Chimienti, MD
 

Sonia Chimienti, MD

   
  Brian Lewis, PhD
 

Brian Lewis, PhD

   
  Mariann Manno, MD
 

Mariann Manno, MD 

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD, will become vice provost for student affairs and associate dean for student life in the School of Medicine. In the new position of vice provost, Dr. Chimienti will work on behalf of students in all three schools and will oversee a number of key services, including the registrar and financial aid. As the associate dean for student life in the School of Medicine, Chimienti will continue to work with faculty, staff and students to support student performance, advocacy, integrity and professionalism. Dr. Flotte said she is a thoughtful, talented and ardent advocate for the education and support of learners.

Brian Lewis, PhD, will take on expanded responsibilities as associate dean for diversity and prematriculation programs in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Lewis will oversee all UMMS prematriculation programs, including the High School Health Careers Program; the Worcester Pipeline Collaborative; and the Summer Enrichment and Undergraduate Research Programs. Robert Layne will continue to direct most of these programs. Flotte said these opportunities foster a passion for science, medicine and professional success, particularly among underrepresented and disadvantaged students in the health professions.

“I am confident that Dr. Lewis will bring valuable expertise and enthusiasm to our prematriculation programs, all of which contribute significantly to meeting the future workforce needs of the commonwealth and help students reach their full potential when pursuing careers in medicine, nursing and the biomedical sciences,” Flotte said.

Mariann Manno, MD, in her role as associate dean of admissions, will assume responsibility for the Health Sciences Pipeline Program. It is a one-year curriculum and training experience that prepares post-baccalaureate candidates for competitive admission to professional health sciences programs.

Finally, the room reservations function will become part of Facilities Management at the beginning of 2017, reporting to John Beyer, director of space planning.

Related story on UMassMedNow:
Deborah Harmon Hines to retire; has made a ‘rare and powerful impact’ on community