Citation for the 2008 Thomas Jefferson Award to H. Shelton Earp, MD
The University’s prestigious 2008 Thomas Jefferson Award is presented to H. Shelton Earp, III, MD, Lineberger Professor and Director, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology. A man of Jeffersonian breadth and depth, Dr. Earp is an exemplary scientist and humanitarian, educator and healer, mentor and leader, citizen and colleague… true blue Tar Heel.
Dr. Earp has strengthened this university not only through his own accomplishments, but by nurturing a culture of collaboration. Dr. Albert Baldwin cited Earp’s unselfish, committed service to the University and to humanity over 30 years at Carolina. Because of Dr. Earp’s efforts, there is better treatment today for patients in North Carolina, and there will be much better prevention and treatment tomorrow.
Jefferson said that "information is the currency of democracy." Dr. Earp translates that aphorism into action. He champions for the greater good through education and discourse, said Dean Robert Blouin. He mobilized citizens, scientists, clinicians, patients and legislators, and with them as partners, secured a dramatic commitment by the legislature to create the University Cancer Research Fund.
The success of this effort is testimony to Dr. Earp’s ability to galvanize support around common goals for uncommon ends, the prevention, early detection, treatment and eradication of cancer. Dr. Earp embodies Jefferson’s optimistic belief that knowledge can be turned to positive benefit for all people.
Dr. Earp has an institutional mindset: Carolina comes first. In a world that too often rewards selfishness, Shelley bucks the trend, said Dean Holden Thorp. He is, observed Dean Bill Roper, our priceless gem. Dr. Michael O’Malley said about Dr. Earp: Hidden by his many achievements but fundamental to them are his emotional intelligence, sense of commitment and a physician’s purpose to make the world a better place.
For all this, for his character, integrity and commitment to excellence, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gratefully bestows upon Shelley Earp the 2008 Thomas Jefferson Award.
