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January 29, 2003
TALLAHASSEE -- Unable to resolve a difference in leadership style, Florida State University demoted the dean of its new medical school Tuesday.
The school said Dr. Joseph Scherger was reassigned to a teaching position.
"After several discussions over the past few months with Dr. Scherger about leadership within the college, I concluded that we needed a change at this time," said provost Lawrence G. Abele.
In an e-mail to faculty, staff and students, Scherger said he was removed over a disagreement about his outside activities and a refusal to remove an associate dean.
"I deeply regret that this has happened," Scherger wrote.
Scherger, 52, was an associate dean at the University of California at Irvine when chosen in April 2001 to head up FSU's new medical school.
He received his medical degree from the UCLA medical school and completed a family practice residency at the University of Washington, where he also received a master's degree in public health.
Dr. J. Ocie Harris, associate dean for clinical affairs, was named to succeed Scherger as dean. Harris is 62.
Harris' research interests range from medical education to the effects of cigarette smoke on pulmonary defense mechanisms. He is the author of more than 70 abstracts and academic publications.
The changes come as the college prepares for an accreditation site visit in April from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
The committee granted the college initial provisional accreditation in October.
The medical school was established by the Legislature in May 2000 to educate physicians who specialize in serving the elderly, rural and other underserved populations of Florida.