Medical School Leadership Transition

Dear faculty and staff,

After nearly nine years of devoted and tireless service as Dean of the Medical School and Vice President for Clinical Affairs, Jakub Tolar has shared his decision to accept a new leadership position as President, CEO, and Executive Dean at the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine. 

Since arriving at the University of Minnesota, Dean Tolar has championed our institution and the state of Minnesota with unwavering dedication. His journey here began as a PhD student in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology and Genetics in 1992 and since then he has served the University in a variety of ways, including as a Distinguished McKnight University Professor. His time at the University is a testament to his deep roots in our community and his commitment to academic medicine.

Dean Tolar’s leadership impact spans the full breadth of our clinical and academic missions. He was instrumental in developing the joint clinical enterprise between the University and Fairview in 2018 and leading the University through COVID.

As an internationally recognized physician and researcher in the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Tolar’s work has changed lives. His compassionate care for patients and pioneering research in cellular therapies for rare genetic disorders has solidified his reputation as a global leader in pediatric bone marrow transplantation. We are profoundly grateful for the legacy he leaves, which has positioned the University as a leader in medical education, research and patient care.

It is also important to know that we continue to make meaningful progress in mediation with M Physicians and Fairview as we chart a path forward together. We anticipate providing an update to our community soon, and remain very optimistic and confident about the continuing evolution of the medical school, our dedicated faculty and staff, and the future of health and health care in Minnesota.

Dean Tolar is committed to working with me and the University leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. We will share more details about this transition in the coming weeks. For now, please join me in thanking Dean Tolar for his decades of service to the University of Minnesota and wishing him the very best in his new role at Baylor University.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham
President