The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has named Robert “Bob” Blouin to serve as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the University effective September 18.

Blouin has been the dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy since 2003, but was recommended for the position by Chancellor Carol Folt.

“When I thought about who could fill this role, it was clear that we already had the best candidate at the University, Bob Blouin, who could begin working immediately to ensure we maintain momentum as we enter the new academic year,” said Folt. “As director of the UNC Eshelman Institute for Innovation, Bob has led a cutting-edge effort to find creative ways to accelerate change in education and health care. This experience is exactly what Carolina needs as we implement the University’s strategic framework,” said Folt.

Blouin will succeed Jim Dean, who will step down after serving four years and return to the faculty of the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Under Blouin’s leadership since 2003, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has become an internationally recognized leader in pharmacy practice, education and research and rose to be ranked number one in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“I am honored to be the University’s next provost and to continue forward with the important work already underway for the Blueprint for Next and the launch of our capital campaign, among other priorities,” Blouin said. “I hope that I can apply what we’ve learned at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in finding creative ways to accelerate innovation in education and research.”

Dr. Dhiren Thakker, associate dean for entrepreneurial development, will serve as the new interim dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

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