Nicholas Van Wagoner, M.D., Ph.D., has been promoted to associate dean for students.
As associate dean for students, Van Wagoner will lead the Office of Medical Student Services, which offers UAB medical students individualized support. His team will provide programs and services in an environment that promotes intellectual and professional development, supports career goals, nurtures growth as leaders and inspires excellence. Van Wagoner and his staff will also provide support and services in the areas of academic advising, career advising, professional and personal development, student health and wellness, student organizations and interest groups, student leadership and letters of recommendation.
“I am thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to serve our incredible medical students,” said Van Wagoner of his new role. “I look forward to working closely with our students as well as the whole medical education team to create a supportive environment that promotes student success.”
In addition to his roles as an instructor and a leader in Medical Student Services, Van Wagoner has a passion for research. He studies sexually transmitted infections and HIV in at-risk populations with a focus on how societal variables influence a person’s chance of infection. Additionally, he currently serves on several national councils and committees focused on infectious diseases research and treatment.
“Dr. Van Wagoner’s leadership will be essential in helping guide our medical students to the most successful paths possible,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, senior vice president for medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “I am extremely confident in his ability to support them as well as the programs in Medical Student Services.”
Van Wagoner holds two degrees from UAB and has been affiliated with the university for more than 20 years; he has served most recently as the assistant dean for students and as an associate professor in the Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Disease.
“I love UAB. It is my professional home,” said Van Wagoner. “As a trainee and now as faculty, I have greatly benefited from students, staff, and faculty who comprise the UAB family and who inspire excellence.”
Van Wagoner is a Utah native and earned his undergraduate degree from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, before coming to UAB to earn his doctorate in cell biology. He also completed his medical training—including medical school, residency and fellowship—at the UAB School of Medicine before joining the faculty as an assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases in 2011.
Van Wagoner will officially step into the role of associate dean for students on Aug. 1, 2018.