Cheryl Hug-English has been named interim dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM). A 1982 graduate of UNSOM who went on to earn a master’s in public health from UCLA, Hug-English most recently served as a clinical faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine and medical director of the University’s Student Health Center.

Hug-English is a past president of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners and was named Alumnus of the Year for UNSOM in 2008. Her prior posts with UNSOM include chair of admissions, assistant and associate dean of admissions and student affairs and member of the Integrated Clinical Services Board. She has served on several committees, including the Student Development Committee. Hug-English is also a past president of the UNSOM Alumni Association.

“Dr. Hug-English has a great amount of experience in various facets of the School of Medicine,” said University Provost Marc Johnson. “With this broad range of experience, she will be able to serve as interim dean with good perspective.”

“I look forward to working closely with Dean Hug-English, and the school, as many opportunities unfold over this academic year,” Johnson added. “Dean Hug-English has President Glick’s and my full confidence and support to lead the UNSOM programs.”

Johnson announced the appointment of Denise Montcalm, director of the School of Social Work, as interim dean of health sciences in July. In this role, Montcalm maintains continuity of leadership for the University’s health science departments and centers other than UNSOM. This includes the School of Social Work, Orvis School of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies, Sanford Center for Aging and other health sciences and campus wellness programs. Montcalm continues to serve as director of the School of Social Work, a role she has held since 2004.

Hug-English’s appointment as dean is effective August 30. It is anticipated that she and Montcalm will continue in these interim roles until completion of a search for the combined position of vice president for health sciences and dean of the UNSOM. The search is expected to take several months to complete.

Hug-English replaces Ole Thienhaus who served as both dean and interim dean over the past 27 months.

“I wish to extend my thanks to Dr. Thienhaus for serving as dean and interim dean, as he has also continued his clinical services,” said Johnson. “His continued service and commitment to both his patients and students, the School of Medicine, the University and our state are commendable and deeply appreciated.”

Thienhaus was honored in early August as one of Nevada’s Healthcare Heroes by Nevada Business magazine.