The University of Michigan

Life Sciences Institute Director Jack Dixon wrote this letter to the University's life sciences faculty:

I want to inform you that I have reached an extraordinarily difficult decision and decided to move to the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) to take the position of Dean of Scientific Affairs. This position was held previously by George Palade who now has retired. This has been the most difficult decision of my professional career. I spoke with our new president Mary Sue Coleman to inform her of my decision. It was a particularly difficult phone call because of the respect and admiration I have for her and her new leadership efforts at the University.

I plan to remain at Michigan until 2003 to participate in teaching two courses in the fall and give those people in my research group who cannot move to UCSD an opportunity to find new positions. I am also committed to helping the administration in the transition of its Life Science efforts. The new building is on schedule and I am particularly pleased with the people we currently have in leadership positions in the Institute, namely Alan Saltiel and Liz Barry. I know that this effort is headed for great success.

There were many factors that went into making this decision. A very important factor was the fact that all of my previous scientific training was done on University of California campuses, and this was an opportunity to give something back to the university system that contributed so much to my development. Please accept my gratitude for all of the support, encouragement, and kindness that you have given me in my various roles at this great university.