University of Iowa Vice President for Medical Affairs (VPMA) and Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine Dr. Brooks Jackson has announced that he will return to the faculty and pursue his research. The university will launch a national search for its next VPMA and dean of CCOM and Jackson will serve until after his successor begins.

“I am so proud of everything our team has accomplished over the past five years, from leading UI Health Care’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic even while reaching for new heights of academic excellence, to obtaining approval on ambitious plans for new growth and partnerships to securing the single largest gift in the history of the university,” said Jackson. “As UI Health Care prepares to tackle the next bold phase in its history, the time is right for new leadership to pilot the organization to the next level.”

Jackson started at the university in November 2017 and led UI Health Care and the Carver College of Medicine through a time of expansion and a global pandemic. Achievements during his tenure include:  

• Increased extramural research funding by more than 26% 
• Stabilized and improved the financial profile of UI Health Care 

• Secured the largest donation in the history of the university 
• Invested in initiatives to drive greater health parity and a more diverse, equitable, and welcoming environment   
• Received approval to plan for a 10-year facilities master plan 
• Improved outcomes for patients across Iowa 

“I appreciate all that Brooks has done to lead our health care enterprise into the future over the past five years. His steady presence has been an asset to our community that has allowed our faculty, staff, and students to thrive,” said President Barbara Wilson. “While Brooks may be stepping down from his current position, I am so pleased that he will be staying on as a member of our faculty so he can continue his research on infectious diseases.” 

Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel says by remaining in his leadership role, Brooks is providing the  university a stable hand as it searches for new department leaders in the Carver College of Medicine.

“Throughout this process, I will work with President Wilson to engage our faculty, staff, and students to hear their thoughts on the future of the college and our health care system," says Kregel.

The president and provost have named John Keller and Cynthia Wong as co-chairs of the search committee.  

Keller is a faculty member in the College of Dentistry and leads special projects in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Keller served as interim president of the university from May 17 to July 20, 2021. He was dean of the Graduate College from 2002 until stepping down from the role in 2021, and at that time he was the longest-serving Graduate College dean in the Big 10. Keller was co-chair of the search committee that hired President Barbara Wilson. 

Wong has served as professor, chair, and departmental executive officer of the Department of Anesthesia in the Carver College of Medicine since November 2015. Before coming to Iowa, she was professor and vice chair of the Department of Anesthesia and chief of the section on obstetric anesthesia at Northwestern University for 27 years. 

A national search for the next CEO of UI Hospitals & Clinics will begin after the new VPMA and dean has started.