New UNC Medical School Building to be Named in Honor of Dr. Bill Roper

A new building under construction for the UNC School of Medicine will be named in honor of Dr. Bill Roper, a long-time leader of the school.

Roper, who served as the dean for the School of Medicine and the CEO of UNC Health from 2004 until 2019, will be honored by having his name on the Medical Education Building being constructed off South Columbia Street. Named Roper Hall, the facility will feature space for simulations and the latest technology, as well as allow the school to expand enrollment. The eight-story building will replace Berryhill Hall, which was demolished in 2020 after 50 years on the UNC campus.

UNC Health shared the news in a release, saying Roper was informed at a celebration in September featuring UNC Health, UNC School of Medicine and other university leaders.

In addition to his roles at the School of Medicine, Roper also served as the Dean of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Following his announcement to step down as the School of Medicine’s dean in 2018, Roper was selected to be the Interim President of the University of North Carolina System. He served for more than two years, as the system sought a successor to Margaret Spellings, who left the UNC System in 2018.

The news Roper will be honored with a building name is not entirely surprising, since UNC leadership had hinted at it in the last year. When Roper stepped down from his interim role as system president, Chair of the UNC Board of Governors Randy Ramsey and UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz each made remarks about looking for ways to recognize Roper for years of leadership at the university.

“Carolina is a leading global public research university in part because of Bill’s leadership,” said Guskiewicz in the release announcing Roper Hall. “I’m so excited for the generations of medical students who will receive their world class training in Roper Hall.”

Ongoing construction of the UNC Medical Education Building on campus. Recently, UNC announced it will be named Roper Hall to honor former dean of the school Dr. Bill Roper. (Photo via UNC Health.)

Dr. Wesley Burks, who is the current Dean of the UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health, also said he believes Roper serves a “perfect example” of a physician and leader.

“Over the course of Bill’s career,” said Burks, “he’s been a visionary leader, tireless public servant, and an unparalleled advocate for both quality healthcare and extraordinary higher education for the people of North Carolina. If our medical students follow that model, and lead with his honor and integrity, then the future is in very good hands.”

Roper Hall and the rest of the UNC Medical Education Building are expected to complete construction in 2022. To view a virtual tour of the future building, visit the UNC Health Foundation website.

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New UNC Medical School Building to be Named in Honor of Dr. Bill Roper

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