July 21, 2006

UCSD Appoints Internationally Recognized
Physiologist to Lead University’s Graduate Studies
UC Regents Approve Historic Appointment of
Dr. Kim Barrett as Dean of Graduate Studies

By Pat JaCoby

UCSD announced today, following approval by the UC Board of Regents, that Kim Barrett, Ph.D., has been appointed Dean of Graduate Studies, effective Sept. 1, 2006. Dr. Barrett is an internationally recognized physiologist, well known for her research in gastrointestinal epithelial transport and function.

Dr. Barrett joined the UCSD School of Medicine faculty in 1985. She received her undergraduate degree in medicinal chemistry from University College London and her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the same institution. She received an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast. “Dr. Barrett is a superb instructor and teaches a wide range of School of Medicine courses, as well as mentoring a diverse range of students. We are thrilled that she will be spearheading Graduate Studies,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox.

Dr. Kim Barrett

Dr. Barrett has an extensive record of administrative service, having served as interim chief for Academic Affairs, Division of Gastroenterology; vice-chair for Research of the Department of Medicine; vice chair of the Academic Senate Graduate Council; member of the Graduate Council Graduate Fellowship Subcommittee; chair of the Department of Medicine Committee on Appointments and Promotions; chair of the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program; and member of the School of Medicine Space Advisory Committee. She is also currently the chair of the Health Sciences Faculty Council. Dr. Barrett has played a significant role in promoting the role of women in science and served as a member of the UCSD Task Force on Gender Equity and as Co-Chair of the School of Medicine Task Force on Gender Equity. In addition, she received the Kaiser Permanente Award for Excellence in teaching.

As Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor Barrett will oversee graduate admissions, academic progress, financial support, student affairs, diversity activities related to graduate education, graduate student academic employee collective bargaining, and the granting of higher degrees; will serve as a member of the Graduate Council of the Academic Senate and will serve as its deputy in administering policies, procedures, requirements, and standards for graduate study; will be responsible for the Center for Teaching Development; and will coordinate the reviews of individual graduate programs.

“Given her outstanding scholarly accomplishments and the breadth of her administrative experience and engagement on the UCSD campus, we are confident that Dr. Barrett will be an effective and capable leader of Graduate Studies for UCSD,” said Marsha Chandler, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

UC Regents have approved Barrett to receive a salary of $165,000 and the standard Senior Management Group benefits package which includes medical, disability and life insurance coverage, as well as participation in the UC retirement and savings programs and eligibility for future sabbatical leave.

Media Contact: Pat JaCoby, (858) 534-7404