Brian Primack, dean of the U of A College of Education and Health Professions, has accepted the position of Dean of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University, effective July 1.

"Brian has been not only a great leader for the college, but he is also an active researcher, national expert as well as a valued member of the Northwest Arkansas community," said Terry Martin, interim provost. "We wish him well at OSU."

Primack has served as dean since July 2019.

"I will miss all the wonderful people I've worked with at the U of A," he said. "I'm very proud of what we have accomplished together. The pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but we rose to the challenge and truly made a difference in the lives of our students, the community and each other. I'm proud that our college lived up to the moniker of 'the home of the caring professions.'"

With Primack's leadership, enrollment in the college has increased by nearly 14 percent, and annual sponsored research awards have risen by almost 7 percent. The diverse college serves about 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 300 staff members and 180 faculty members. Degree programs include K-12 education, public health, nursing, speech therapy, occupational therapy, exercise science, adult and community education, counseling, and human resources and workforce development.

"Between now and my departure, I'll be working diligently to support the college and ensure a smooth transition to future leadership,"  Primack said.

A timeline for a search will be announced later this spring.