University of Vermont College of Medicine Dean Frederick Morin, M.D., has announced that Russell Tracy, Ph.D., professor of pathology and biochemistry, director of the Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, and former senior associate dean for research and academic affairs for the College of Medicine, will serve as interim senior associate dean for research, effective July 1. He will succeed Richard Galbraith, M.D., Ph.D., who will become the University’s vice president for research.

Tracy served as the inaugural senior associate dean for research from 2001 to 2009, when he stepped down to focus exclusively on his science. He currently serves as vice chair for research in the department of pathology, as director of translational technologies for the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, and as chair of the Faculty Strategic Planning Committee.

“Dr. Tracy’s broad understanding of biomedical research throughout UVM has made him a valued advisor and liaison on University-wide research initiatives and we greatly appreciate his offer to serve in this leadership role for the interim term,” says Morin.

Tracy received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Syracuse University and completed post-doctoral training at the Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining UVM as research assistant professor of pathology and biochemistry in 1984, he served on the faculty at the University of Rochester. He was promoted to professor in 1997, appointed interim dean for research in 2000, and named senior associate dean for research in 2001. In 2009, he was recognized as a University Scholar.

The College will conduct a national search for a new senior associate dean for research in the near future.