University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld has appointed Sue Curry, dean of the UI College of Public Health, as interim provost and executive vice president beginning April 1, according to a press release Monday morning.

Curry will replace Barry Butler, current UI provost and executive vice president, who was named as the new president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, two weeks ago.

Butler will assume his new position on March 13. 

Curry has had an extensive career — prior to her position in the College of Public Health, she served as a professor of health policy and administration in the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, according to the release. Before her time at UIC, Curry was a professor of health services in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Washington.

Harreld praised Curry’s appointment and leadership experience in the release.

“Dr. Curry has demonstrated strong leadership in the College of Public Health, developing new programs focusing on core values of equity and justice, which are also core values of our institution,” Harreld said in the release. “I am pleased she is willing to take on this important role as we review our academic organizational structure and begin to implement our strategic plan.”

Curry established her history in the College of Public Health in the release.

“As dean of the College of Public Health, I have had the privilege to lead a highly productive and innovative unit dedicated to making a difference and creating brighter futures for people everywhere,” she said in the release.

Curry then expressed her excitement for her new position.

“In this new role, I look forward to working with colleagues across campus to ensure our university’s continued academic excellence and national leadership,” she said in the release.

— Charles Peckman​