SMPH gives warm welcome to Chancellor Mnookin

The School of Medicine and Public Health community gave a warm Wisconsin welcome to Chancellor Mnookin, the university’s 30th leader, who celebrated her first day on Thursday, Aug. 4.

Dean Robert N. Golden standing next to Chancellor Mnookin outside at the ice cream social.
SMPH Dean Robert N. Golden, MD, stands next to Chancellor Mnookin as the two hand out Babcock ice cream at the ice cream social. Photo by Micaela Sullivan-Fowler, MS, MA.

Staff, faculty, and learners headed over to Bascom Hill for an ice cream social to welcome the new chancellor to campus. Dean Robert N. Golden, MD, handed out Babcock ice cream next to Chancellor Mnookin at the event.

Before the ice cream social, the chancellor hosted a lunch with faculty from across the university. Two faculty members from the school — Anjon Audhya, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies and professor of biomolecular chemistry; and Mahua Dey, MD, assistant professor of neurological surgery — attended the lunch.

“On her very first day, Chancellor Mnookin sent a clear message to faculty, staff, and learners at UW — she is here to listen and learn to better understand our strengths and opportunities, with an ultimate goal of expanding collaborative research across disciplines, among other top priorities,” said Audhya. “We are exceptionally fortunate to have such an incredible advocate at the helm of this great institution.”

Dey said she was inspired by Chancellor Mnookin discussing how faculty and staff wellbeing and advancement is a priority for her.

“I admired her leadership style of listening to a wide range of voices from all the schools about what is good and important to preserve at UW, and what aspects need her strategic attention,” she said. “She is a very attentive listener. Her desire to work together to advance the health of Wisconsinites in a bold and equitable manner is inspiring and makes me very excited to work with her to advance the strategic goals of SMPH.”