Interim Chancellor Hank Foley reappointed former Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs Hal Williamson as interim executive vice chancellor of health affairs Friday, Dec. 4, according to a [MU News Bureau news release](http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2015/1204-williamson-appointed-interim-executive-vice-chancellor-of-health-affairs/). Williamson’s term will begin Dec. 14. He originally retired in June 2015 after holding the position since 2009.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the university,” Williamson said in the news release. “The great faculty and staff throughout the health system and I still have much work to do to realize our full potential as we improve lives through research, preparing the next generation of health professionals, and direct patient care.”
Williamson will oversee the schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing; MU Health Care’s five hospitals and more than 50 outpatient clinics throughout mid-Missouri. Provost Garnett Stokes will share oversight of the three schools.
“The need for this leadership position is apparent as health care continues to change and evolve throughout Missouri,” Foley said in an email to students Friday, Dec. 4. “Dr. Williamson is well known at MU. Previously, he led MU Health during a time of impressive growth and strategic alignment of clinical programs.”
Williamson’s leadership saw the openings of the Missouri Psychiatric Center, Tiger Institute for Health Innovation, Missouri Orthopaedic Center and MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital. University Hospital also expanded and a new clinical and research facility opened for the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.