LITTLE ROCK — The director of the Arkansas Department of Health is stepping down to be the founding dean of a new school of public health in Indiana.
Paul Halverson will leave his position in May, eight years after being named to lead the agency and act as Arkansas' state health officer. He will become the founding dean of the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.
"Paul has been at the forefront of many important health initiatives, including our statewide trauma system and the Clean Indoor Air Act, that improve the quality of life for Arkansans," Gov. Mike Beebe said in a statement. "We're sad to see him go, but share his excitement for the opportunity awaiting him in Indiana."
Nathaniel Smith, the deputy director for public health programs, will be interim director after Halverson leaves.