UM Health System declares vice chancellor

He has been appointed officially after serving on an interim basis for six months.

By Juana Summers

Published March 13, 2009

Harold Williamson has been named permanent vice chancellor for the UM Health System, Chancellor Brady Deaton announced Tuesday.

Williamson has served as interim vice chancellor for the health system for the past six months.

The UM Health System comprises UM Health Care, the School of Medicine and University Physicians, the Sinclair School of Nursing and the School of Health Professions.

UM system President Gary Forsee created the position last August, which assigns a central person responsible for all operations of the health-related schools and physician group, to work on strategic planning and to develop operating and capital budgets. Williamson is the only person to have held the position.

In a news release, Forsee said he praised Williamson for "quickly creating a more collaborative and effective health sciences organization."

He also said Williamson's permanent appointment would develop the potential of the university's health system.

Williamson first worked at MU starting in 1982, as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Academic Family Practice Fellowship Program. He has worked at the university since that time.

Prior to his appointment as interim vice chancellor for the UM Health System, Williamson served as chair of the Curtis W. and Ann H. Long Department of Family and Community Medicine at MU.

Aside from his administrative duties, Williamson is still a practicing physician and is certified in family practice.