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UNCP appoints Djerdjouri, Skuka as deans

By Staff Report, posted Jun 8, 2022 on BizFayetteville.com

Djerdjouri

DR. MOHAMED DJERDJOURI will transition into his role as dean of the Thomas School of Business at UNC Pembroke on July 18.
An academic leader with three decades of experience in higher education, Djerdjouri serves as dean of the Johnson College of Business and Economics at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.

After searching the country for the person that would best fill the roll, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of Djerdjouri for the position.
"As provost, I look forward to working with Dr. Djerdjouri on developing academic programs, external partnerships and additional funding streams to support community and economic development in the region that we are so proud to serve,” said Provost Marsha Pollard.
"I look forward to joining an already outstanding school and wish to build on the success achieved by my predecessors, Dean Barry O'Brien and interim Dean Susan Peters," Djerdjouri said.
"This is a great university and Chancellor Cummings has an inspiring vision for it. UNCP is on the move, and I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic academic community and the opportunity to collaborate with Provost Pollard and my fellow deans."

Skuka

Renowned scholar and medical doctor EVA SKUKA was tapped as the dean of the College of Health Sciences for the university.

Currently, Skuka serves as the associate provost and dean of the School of Health Studies. She worked as a medical doctor for seven years before focusing in higher education, which she has done for the past 17 years.

The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of Skuka by the search committee.
“Dr. Skuka is joining UNCP at a pivotal time for the College of Health Sciences. With the workforce needs identified through a legislatively mandated health study in 2018, planning for new programs and offerings is already underway that will strongly impact and advance the health outcomes of this county and region. I am confident she will bring the experience and knowledge needed to lead the college as we further develop programs in the coming years,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.

Physicians Foundation CEO Robert Seligson sees Skuka’s appointment as especially important as the school can help students graduate and move into the healthcare sector.
“The growth of UNCP’s College of Health Sciences is a key response to this labor shortage, especially in southeastern North Carolina. The college is recognized for educating professionals who are highly likely to remain and practice in this area of North Carolina. Dr. Skuka’s record speaks to action and accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing the innovative opportunities and programs she will bring to the college,” Seligson said.
“My vision for the College of Health Sciences at UNCP is to work collaboratively with the faculty and program administrators to strengthen the programs currently offered and look for opportunities for new programs that will align with the student’s needs, community needs, workforce trends and industries within the university’s service area. I’m highly committed to instilling in the students through the curricula that as health and human services professionals we all have a professional obligation to help improve the lives of the people and communities you’ve pledged to serve,” Skuka said.
Like Djerdjouri, Skuka will also assume her new role on July 18.

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