Leadership Transition at the Medical Campus

Dear Colleagues,

We write to share an important leadership update regarding the Boston University Medical Campus. Last spring, Karen Antman announced her intention to step down as provost of the Medical Campus and dean of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. As the search for her permanent successor continues, Hee-Young Park will assume the role of interim dean of our medical school, effective July 1, and will report to the University provost along with all other academic deans.

Hee-Young is the Carolann S. Najarian, MD, Professor, professor and chair of medical sciences and education, professor of dermatology, and associate dean for faculty affairs. For more than three decades at BU, she has established herself as a trusted, collaborative leader with deep insight into the academic and clinical priorities of the Medical Campus. She has played a central role in faculty advancement, educational leadership, and institutional governance, earning the respect and confidence of colleagues across the University.

A highly regarded scientist and educator, Hee-Young’s research focuses on the molecular and cellular pathways involved in human pigmentation and wound healing. She is a dedicated mentor to students and trainees at all levels and has received numerous honors for her teaching and research. She is also an active contributor to campus life, serving on the Faculty Council, University Council, and University Council Committee on Faculty Policies as well as the Committee on Faculty Affairs at the medical school. We are grateful for Hee-Young’s willingness to take on this interim role, and we know that she will provide steady, experienced leadership in the months ahead.

On behalf of the University, we also want to extend our deep thanks to Karen for her remarkable leadership of the Medical Campus over the past 20 years. Among the many milestones during her tenure were the renaming of the School of Medicine after a historic $100 million gift from Edward Avedisian and creating the first medical student residence, expanding support for affordability and access. A visionary leader and an expert on breast cancer, mesothelioma, and sarcoma, Karen will return to the faculty as professor of medicine, where her expertise and leadership will remain tremendous assets to our community.

As we mark this transition, we are confident in the strength of the Medical Campus and the dedicated leadership guiding its next chapter. Please join us in thanking Karen for her extraordinary service and welcoming Hee-Young to this important interim role.

Sincerely,

Melissa Gilliam

President

Gloria Waters

University Provost and Chief Academic Officer

* 6/16/25 This message was sent to faculty and staff.