RIVERSIDE – (INT) – In an email to faculty and staff, UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox says that G. Richard Olds, the inaugural dean of the School of Medicine, has resigned.

Wilcox said it is a leadership transition and that Olds is pursuing other interests. The resignation is effective August 31st.

It comes as a surprise to many on campus. Olds came to UCR in 2010.

Wilcox praised Olds as a ‘prime force’ in the creation of the first new public medical school in California in at least forty years.

“The achievement of Dr. Olds in service of UC Riverside and healthcare in Inland Southern California have helped the school and campus achieve greater national recognition”, said Wilcox.

An interim dean will be appointed in the coming weeks while a search is launched for a permanent dean.

Story Date: July 19, 2015