Dr. Jenkins congratulates Dr. Judy Solberg on her selection as Chief of Staff for UND’s Office of the President
Dr. Marjorie Jenkins, dean of the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) and vice president for Health Affairs at UND, would like to congratulate Dr. Judy Solberg on being selected as the next Chief of Staff for UND’s Office of the President.
“My years at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences have been some of the best of my career,” said Solberg. “Growing healthcare providers for the State of North Dakota is vital work and I am proud to have been a part of that for so many years.”
Solberg, a UND alum who earned more than one graduate degree from Walden University, has been with the SMHS since 2007, when she was hired by former SMHS Dean Dr. Joshua Wynne.
Noting how he realized that he needed more help to effectively oversee the numerous academic programs at the school shortly after arriving at the SMHS more than 20 years ago, Wynne was effusive in his response to Solberg’s news.
“As I considered the applicants for the new position, one applicant came with such glowing recommendations that I didn’t hesitate to hire Dr. Solberg. That may have been the best professional decision I’ve ever made!” said Wynne. “In all my years at the School, Dr. Solberg has been a steadying influence who would do anything for this School. I don’t think even I will truly know how much behind-the-scenes work she did on behalf of UND, but I firmly believe that the SMHS is what it is today in substantive measure due to Judy. It always is bittersweet when a trusted and highly valued colleague moves on to an even more important position, but I’m so happy for her. I wish her all the best in her new role as chief of staff for President Armacost.”
After starting her UND tenure in the Dean of Students Office in 2006, Solberg became Assistant to the Vice Dean under Wynne before assuming the role of Chief of Staff in 2010. While serving as SMHS Chief of Staff, Solberg also took on the role of Interim Director for Administration and Finance on several occasions and served on former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s Health Strategy Taskforce.
“Dr. Solberg has been an invaluable leader at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, bringing unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to our mission,” added Jenkins. “While we will greatly miss her expertise and leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on a new role. Her impact on UND will undoubtedly continue to be profound, and we wish her every success in this next chapter of her career.”
A reception for Dr. Solberg will be held at the SMHS on Wednesday, April 16.
