Dr. Mebane Named New Assistant Dean in School of Public Health

Dr. Mebane joined the School in July 2001. Her research focuses on how journalists report on health policy issues. Currently, she teaches two graduate-level courses and will continue to teach one class (HPAA 260: An Introduction to Health Policy and Politics) in addition to her duties as Assistant Dean.

“I am delighted that Dr. Mebane has accepted this new role in our school,” Dean Rimer said. “Her experience here at UNC, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, will be an enormous benefit as she works with students. She brings tremendous energy and an exciting sense of innovation.”

As Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Mebane will oversee the Office of Student Affairs, which provides academic, personal, and career counseling for undergraduate and graduate students in public health. The Office of Student Affairs also supports the School’s student recruitment efforts and is responsible for the school-wide orientation program, the commencement ceremony and reception, and the annual career fair.

Dr. Mebane also will be advisor to the Student Union Board and the Minority Student Caucus and serve as a confidential student advocate, resource person, and liaison to the University and public communities. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to head up the School’s Office of Student Affairs,” Dr. Mebane said. “I look forward to working with students, staff, and faculty throughout the School to ensure that our students have the best possible SPH and UNC experiences.”

A native of Coleridge, N.C., Dr. Mebane received her bachelor’s degree in business administration (1989) and her Master of Science in Public Health degree (1994), both from UNC-CH. She earned her Ph.D. in Health Policy from Harvard University in 1998, and was a post-doctoral resident at Harvard in the Department of Health Policy and Management from 1998-2001.
Dr. Mebane assumes the responsibilities held by Aundra Shields, J.D., who relocated to Phoenix, AZ., in mid-November.
“Aundra was a tremendous asset, both to the School of Public Health and to the University,” Dean Rimer said. “We will miss her greatly.”

For more information, contact Gene Pinder at gpinder@email.unc.edu or (919) 966-9756.