With bittersweet emotions, we share that Kenan Penaskovic, MD, has accepted the position of Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky, beginning in July.
Dr. Penaskovic first joined UNC in 2004 as a psychiatry resident and later served as chief resident. After time with the National Health Service Corps and the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, he returned to UNC as a faculty member in 2011. Since then, he has served in numerous leadership roles across both academic and clinical missions.
“I have been involved in clinical operations and student affairs for the last decade, culminating in my dream job as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Assistant Dean for Students Affairs. I am honored to have served as the interim chair for a very special department. It is honestly the people that make this department special. We have phenomenally talented residents, kind staff, and an inspiring faculty that are approachable and down to earth.”
He currently serves as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for the School of Medicine. His dedication to education has been recognized through multiple teaching awards at both the school and national levels. Most recently, the SOM Class of 2026 selected him as the faculty member to address them at their graduation hooding ceremony in May.
We are deeply grateful for Dr. Penaskovic’s many years of service, leadership, and mentorship at UNC. Please join us in wishing him every success in his new role at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine