In a remarkable testament to her dedication to the institution, Keisha Gibson, MD, MPH, has been elected to serve as the chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Dr. Gibson, currently in her second term on the committee, brings a wealth of experience and a personal connection to UNC that has fueled her commitment to the university’s growth and success.
Personal Connection to UNC
Dr. Gibson’s connection to UNC is deeply rooted. Having grown up eight miles down the road in Durham, Dr. Gibson recalls spending many summers on UNC’s campus while participating in one science enrichment program or another. She has witnessed the evolution of UNC through its changes, growth, and ups and downs. Dr. Gibson attended Carolina for medical school. Upon obtaining her medical degree, she left briefly but felt an undeniable pull back to the university after only three years away.
As an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Gibson cares for adults and children with kidney disease. Her role as the inaugural Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine allows her to ensure everyone feels welcomed. To her, UNC is not just a campus; it’s a home and a family.
“This has been the place that I’ve always felt had the resources and climate I needed to really be my authentic self.”
“When I look at what UNC accomplishes, from a science standpoint, the arts, all the areas that we excel in, I feel we can go toe to toe with any university, public or private. But that additional piece I think we have here is this really high spirit of collaboration,” Dr. Gibson said.
The Committee’s Structure
The Chancellor’s Advisory Committee is a crucial component of UNC’s governance structure, encompassing representatives from various schools and departments within the university. Comprising nine elected faculty members, alongside the committee chair and secretary, the committee plays a pivotal role in providing insights and recommendations to the university’s leadership. Members are elected by their peers, reflecting a diverse and inclusive representation of both large and small departments on campus.
“We kind of function as a pulse, for the Chancellor. If he or she has ideas, initiatives that need to be made, or responses to a grievance on campus, we’ve certainly had our fair share of very difficult situations, we help take the temperature of campus,” Dr. Gibson said.
As the newly appointed chair, Dr. Gibson assumes a leadership role in shaping the committee’s direction and contributions, working closely with Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz. Her responsibilities include spearheading the creation of monthly meeting agendas, collaborating with the Chancellor to identify areas where the committee’s input is crucial, and actively engaging with committee members to bring forward relevant topics for consideration.
With her personal connection to UNC, a history that extends well beyond the Department of Medicine, and commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, Dr. Gibson is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the university’s future.