Laine Young-Walker, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, is the School of Medicine’s new associate dean for student programs and professional development at MU’s School of Medicine after Rachel Brown stepped down from the position on Oct. 28.
Brown held the position since 2006. Over the last 10 years, she has been responsible for overseeing the admission process, observing student services and taking part in various curriculum initiatives. While she has resigned from her position as associate dean, she still retains her position as professor of clinical psychiatry.
Her replacement, Young-Walker, also works for the psychiatry department. Additionally, Young-Walker is the vice chair of the psychiatry department and acts as chief of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at MU’s School of Medicine.
School of Medicine spokeswoman Mary Jenkins said in an email that Young-Walker has compiled many years of experience and training.
Jenkins said that in becoming an associate dean, Young-Walker will be giving up her vice chair position. Jenkins said she has high hopes for the success which is to be ushered in by Young-Walker.
“As the new associate dean for student programs, Dr. Laine Young-Walker brings excellent credentials and training to her new role,” Jenkins said in the email.
Jenkins said it is against policy to comment on the specifics for Brown’s resignation, but said one of the reasons Brown resigned is because she hopes to continue her academic work as a clinical psychiatry professor.
The School of Medicine itself has recently been under the microscope after [the school was flagged for issues regarding diversity and fair and equal treatment of students](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2016/9/16/school-medicine-accreditation-stake-report-finds-h/). In response to the issues brought up, the school must provide a formal action plan by December of this year, drawing out the actions which will be taken in order to remedy the issues currently at hand.
_Edited by Claire Mitzel | cmitzel@themaneater.com_
