Hardy named senior associate dean at medical school

GREENVILLE, N.C. —   Dr. Virginia Hardy, a veteran administrator at East Carolina University, has been named senior associate dean for academic affairs at the Brody School of Medicine.

Hardy, who has been serving in that position in an interim role, is also the university’s interim chief diversity officer.

Hardy

Dr. Phyllis Horns, interim dean of the medical school, said Hardy was selected after a national search. “Virginia Hardy is ideally suited for this position,” Horns said. “She is exceptionally knowledgeable about our academic programs, our mission and our students. Among her many accomplishments are the development of a strong academic support and counseling office that provides comprehensive confidential counseling for medical students and residents. I am delighted that she has accepted this appointment.”

The Brody School of Medicine admits 72 medical students each year, all North Carolina residents. Horns said that in accordance with recommendations from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the school is engaged in a curriculum revitalization project and plans to grow its enrollment to 80 students a year. “These critical endeavors will require the strong leadership of the senior associate dean,” she said.

Hardy, who has been at ECU since 1993, holds a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in counselor education from ECU and a doctorate in counselor education from North Carolina State University. She previously served as associate dean for counseling and diversity and as director of the academic support and enrichment center at the Brody School of Medicine.