NEWS

Photo note: To download a photo of Ehringhaus, see the bottom of the release

CHAPEL HILL -- Susan H. Ehringhaus, vice chancellor and general counsel for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has accepted a special joint assignment with the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association of American Universities. Beginning Jan. 1, 2003, she will work with the associations on issues relating to research on human subjects as well as health law and policy issues relating to universities.

Ehringhaus has worked at the university for 32 years, serving for 29 years as senior legal counsel for six chancellors.

"Susan Ehringhaus has established a reputation as a national leader in the law of higher education and in particular in areas relating to research, university-industry partnerships and business operations," UNC Chancellor James Moeser said. "There are many university-wide programs that have been shaped by her judgment, her legal ability and her grasp of the fundamental values of a research university.

"Her departure will leave an enormous vacancy at Carolina. In her years here, she has provided invaluable assistance and direction to numerous areas of the university. She has a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the university’s operations, and it will be extraordinarily difficult to replace her," Moeser said. "I and my colleagues are grateful for the fine quality of her legal work, the extent of her contributions to every university unit and her dedication to the university and her colleagues."

Ehringhaus said, "It has been a privilege to serve as the university’s senior legal counsel and vice chancellor and general counsel. I value highly the opportunity to have worked under the leadership of six chancellors and with scores of vice chancellors, deans and department chairs, dozens of trustees and hundreds of faculty, staff, students and alumni over the years. I look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues here in new and different ways in the future."

The Association of American Medical Colleges seeks to improve the health of the public by enhancing the effectiveness of academic medicine. A national, non-profit organization, the AAMC represents the 125 accredited U.S. medical schools and the 16 accredited Canadian medical schools; some 400 major teaching hospitals, including 74 Veterans Administration medical centers; 98 academic and professional societies representing over 100,000 faculty members; and the nation's 67,000 medical students and 102,000 residents.

The Association of American Universities consists of 63 leading public and private research universities, 61 in the U.S. and two in Canada. The association's mission is two-fold: to provide a means for collective development and implementation of national policies affecting research and scholarship, graduate and professional education, undergraduate education and public service in research universities; and to provide a forum for member university presidents and chancellors and other officials to discuss issues of common concern leading to institutional policies that advance the interests of the association's member institutions and the society they serve.

Ehringhaus’ assignment with AAMC and AAU will extend through August 2003 when she will return to UNC to take up responsibilities in the School of Law.

Moeser said he will appoint B. Glenn George, a professor in the UNC School of Law, to serve as deputy general counsel until January to help ensure a smooth transition. George will then become interim vice chancellor and general counsel. Moeser will appoint a search committee to fill the position permanently.

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Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/admin/ehringhaus_susan.jpg

News Services contact: Mike McFarland, (919) 962-8593
AAMC contact: David Korn, senior vice president, Division of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research, (202) 828-0400
AAU contact: Nils Hasselmo, president, (202) 408-7500