I have appointed Thomas F. Boat as Interim Provost for Health Affairs. Dr. Boat will serve in the position while a search is conducted to replace Donald C. Harrison, who will retire at the end of December. The interim appointment is expected to last between six and eight months.

Dr. Boat is a seasoned leader, with the experience and judgment necessary to provide direction for our Medical Center as we conduct this search. I appreciate his willingness to fill in at this time, in addition to his other duties.

Boat is chairman of UC's pediatrics department and director of the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation. Associated with UC since 1993, Dr. Boat held various faculty and administrative positions at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland and the University of North Carolina.