College of Medicine Dean Named

Dear Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to inform you that Dr. Charles “Chipper” Griffith has accepted our offer to serve as dean of the UK College of Medicine. He has served in this role in an acting capacity for the last two years, and I am grateful for his steady leadership during this time.

Pending approval from the Board of Trustees, he will begin his appointment on July 15, 2023.

After graduating from the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University in 1988, Dr. Griffith moved to Lexington to complete his residency at UK in internal medicine and pediatrics. In 1991, he became chief resident, before earning a master’s degree in public health. In 1994, Dr. Griffith joined our health care enterprise as a physician and the college as an assistant professor, eventually earning tenure as a professor.

Since his arrival at UK in 1988, Dr. Griffith has cared for innumerable patients, including countless children. He has taught thousands of students who have studied at the college, he has championed medical education throughout the region and he has served in many leadership positions.

For the last two years, as acting dean, Dr. Griffith has led the college through increased enrollment; strengthened investments in student support services; and ensured the college remains focused on supporting the university in achieving our purpose of advancing Kentucky.

Through the years, Dr. Griffith has played an instrumental role in the health and well-being of many Kentuckians, and in the academic success of some of our brightest students. Dr. Griffith understands Kentucky needs the UK College of Medicine, and he undoubtedly will serve the college and the Commonwealth every day with this in mind, as he has for the past 35 years.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Griffith on his appointment as dean of the UK College of Medicine.

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D.

Provost