Dr. Robert L. Ferris, a surgical oncologist and expert in cancer immunotherapy, has been named the next executive director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective October 1.

“Bob Ferris is an exceptional cancer physician-scientist, a highly skilled health executive with deep experience leading a NCI comprehensive cancer center, and a person with a genuine passion for service to others,” said Dr. Wesley Burks, dean of the UNC School of Medicine. “This blend of skills, experience and vision makes Bob the ideal person to lead our cancer center.”

Dr. Robert L. Ferris (Image via UNC-Chapel Hill)

Ferris is a UNC alumnus, having earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the school. He then went on to earn his MD and PhD in immunology from Johns Hopkins Medical School. Most recently, Ferris served as the director of the Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Under Ferris’ leadership, the Hillman Center saw a 29 percent increase in peer-reviewed cancer research funding and a 53 percent increase in National Cancer Institute funding.

Ferris will succeed Dr. Shelley Earp, who is stepping down after his second stint as the Lineberger Center’s director. Earp served as director from 1997 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2024.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Researchers Warn About Effects of Federal Funding Cuts on Cancer Discoveries, Treatments
Threats of federal funding cuts are already felt within research circles at UNC, including the labs of some leading cancer research.
UNC Hosting 'Swim Across America' Event for Cancer Research on October 8
The UNC swimming and diving teams will host “Swim Across America” at Koury Natatorium on the morning of October 8. The event aims to raise $50,000 for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only such facility in the state. Registration for the event begins at 8:15 a.m., and the event itself starts at 9 […]
UNC Study Looks Into Cigarillo Packaging
A new study out of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that health warnings on cigarillos and little cigar packaging does little to curtail the appeal of bright colors and flavor descriptors. While the FDA banned flavors other than menthol in cigarettes in 2009, cigarillos feature flavors such as sweet, grape, wine and tropical. […]
Diamond Heels in the 2026 MLB Draft: Who's Going Where?
Several UNC baseball players have been selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, which runs through Sunday in Philadelphia. The MLB Draft is different from its counterparts in leagues such as the NFL and NBA, in that players with remaining eligibility can choose to return to school even after being drafted. Here’s a look at which […]
UNC's Jason DeCaro Picked by Pittsburgh Pirates in 2026 MLB Draft
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected UNC pitcher Jason DeCaro in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft. He was the 80th overall pick. 𝐃𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲 coming 🔜 in the Burgh!! The @Pirates find draft treasure in @JasonDeCaro2. #ProHeels x @YoungBucsPIT pic.twitter.com/y6WY5AiBPI — Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) July 11, 2026 A three-year starter in the Carolina pitching […]
Boston Red Rox Select UNC Outfielder Owen Hull in 2026 MLB Draft
Owen Hull is off the board in the MLB Draft. The Red Sox selected the UNC outfielder in the second round of the draft Saturday in Philadelphia. Hull was the 67th overall pick, and is the second Diamond Heel to be drafted this year following Jake Schaffner’s selection at No. 20 overall by the same […]
UNC Shortstop Jake Schaffner Selected by Boston Red Sox in 1st Round of 2026 MLB Draft
The Boston Red Sox selected UNC shortstop Jake Schaffner with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft Saturday. He’s the first Diamond Heel to be selected in this year’s draft. Schaff is 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣 ‼️‼️ From Janesville now to Bean Town, @JakeSchaffner3 is a first round […]
Chansky's Notebook: Code of Conduct
When he left Carolina as chancellor in 2024, Kevin Guskiewicz was dogged by policy confrontations with the UNC Board of Trustees. Guskiewicz found himself in the same position after only two years at Michigan State despite strong support from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Spartans’ Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo. He visited […]
UNC Police Issue 'All Clear' After Bomb Threat, Investigation at Kenan Stadium
UNC Police are responding to a safety threat at Kenan Stadium on Thursday afternoon, according to an alert shared with the campus community.
UNC Soccer and Lacrosse Venue Christened Dorrance Field at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium
Dorrance Field, the home venue for the UNC soccer and lacrosse programs, has expanded its name to Dorrance Field at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium. The expanded name comes in recognition of a gift from Kathleen Welsh and Gary Loveman, parents of two former UNC women’s soccer players. UNC describes Play2Dream as “a private family foundation” founded […]
›