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Dr. Jane Meza to Assume Interim Leadership Role for Global Engagement

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A biostatistician, Dr. Meza joined UNMC in 2000 after receiving her Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She served a 10-month stint as interim dean of the College of Public Health in 2013-2014.

Beginning Jan. 1, Jane Meza, Ph.D., will begin a new role as interim associate vice chancellor for global and student support for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Nebraska Medicine.

Dr. Meza currently serves as senior associate dean for the UNMC College of Public Health and chair of its department of biostatistics. She will retain her role as senior associate dean, and an interim department chair will be named.

UNO, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine have established this new position to cooperate and collaborate on global engagement issues related to their mission areas of education, research and service. The three entities will identify opportunities for collaborations in areas related to the development and implementation of global engagement activities and programs, both on-campus and overseas.

“We are very pleased to announce this new position and the opportunities, collaboration and efficiencies it will provide UNMC, UNO and Nebraska Medicine as we leverage each of our strengths to create a more cohesive global engagement program,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “As these programs grow and become even more prominent, we are confident that Dr. Meza will provide strong and highly engaged leadership.”

“As an internationally engaged campus we are excited about this partnership,” said

UNO Chancellor John Christensen, Ph.D. “Jane taking on this new role will allow us to support our students and Omaha’s connection to hundreds of other locations all over the world.”

“We welcome Dr. Meza to the Nebraska Medicine family,” said Daniel J. DeBehnke, M.D., M.B.A., chief executive officer of Nebraska Medicine. “Her appointment signifies another step forward in the partnership between our organization and our University of Nebraska colleagues. Education, research and service are at the core of what we do at Nebraska Medicine, and Dr. Meza will be a great fit to further those missions.”

In her new role, Dr. Meza, in part, will:

  • Identify opportunities for collaborative programs addressing the on-campus needs of international students at both institutions;
  • Identify opportunities and provide support for study abroad for both UNO and UNMC students;
  • Promote shared and integrated campus educational environments;
  • Strengthen the quality, breadth and focus of relevant academic exchange programs;
  • Identify opportunities for collaborative research projects;
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration in areas of special interest to either campus including medical tourism; and
  • Develop joint opportunities such as seminars, training workshops, conferences and other activities in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. Meza will report to the vice chancellor for business and finance at UNMC, the vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNMC and the senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at UNO.

“I look forward to being involved in this opportunity to expand the collaboration among UNO, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine to further develop the international reach, reputation and relevance of our programs,” Dr. Meza said.

A biostatistician, Dr. Meza joined UNMC in 2000 after receiving her Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She served a 10-month stint as interim dean of the College of Public Health in 2013-2014.

Campus leaders said there are no plans, at this time, to search for a permanent associate vice chancellor. A search will begin soon, however, for a new chair of the department of biostatistics at the UNMC College of Public Health.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.