Dr. Liu named assistant vice chancellor for faculty development

Howard Liu, M.D., has been appointed assistant vice chancellor for faculty development. The appointment was effective Aug. 1.

In his new role, Dr. Liu will continue with faculty development initiatives he has been leading for some time.

Under Dr. Liu’s leadership, faculty development has undergone some exciting changes while honoring successful traditions. Like his predecessors, Myrna Newland, M.D., and Jim Newland, M.D., he has remained dedicated to interprofessional education. Faculty development planning committees have representatives from all colleges, the library, mentorship, HR, ITS and Nebraska Medicine.

“Dr. Liu has provided excellent leadership since being appointed director of faculty development,” said Dele Davies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “He also has shown ability to work collaboratively across several colleges to deliver programs that are of value to all faculty, exemplified by his leading the team that helped develop a campuswide Academy of Educators. The change in title more accurately recognizes his diverse roles.”

This year, the Office of Faculty Development served more than 1,174 faculty and graduated its 200th member from the iLEAD program, which fosters leadership skills for career development. Additionally, new programs such as the emerging Interprofessional Academy of Educators will provide new learning communities for faculty collaboration across the 500-mile campus.

Faculty development also has taken on a new role in strategic planning and the implementation of university-level programs in partnership with Dr. Davies’ office. Under Dr. Liu, the office has partnered with the Education Council to organize strategic planning retreats that have explored future models for health sciences education.

Faculty development also has worked closely with the e-learning initiative, which has awarded $253,000 for 46 projects over the last two years. As the iEXCEL initiative creates new tools for advanced simulation and colleges undergo curriculum reform, faculty development will remain a critical partner in preparing faculty to embrace the most evidence-based teaching methods, Dr. Liu said.

He credits an outstanding team for the success of faculty development.

“I am so lucky to have such a dedicated staff and passionate faculty collaborators who help us to create a culture of innovation across campus,” Dr. Liu said. “Our chancellor has challenged us to lead the world in health sciences education, and I believe that we are taking bold steps towards realizing that vision.”