The University of Pittsburgh on Monday named Brian A. Primack as dean of the University Honors College. He will start July 1, taking over from Edward Stricker, who will return to his faculty position in the Department of Neuroscience.

Dr. Primack now holds the Leo H. Criep Endowed Chair in Patient Care in the School of Medicine, is an assistant vice chancellor for research on health and society, and is a professor of medicine, pediatrics and clinical and translation services, according to the university.

In 2012, he founded the university’s Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health to study the intersection of media and health.

Dr. Primack received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Pitt. He also earned a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and completed medical school at Emory University.

Before coming to Pitt in 2002, he practiced medicine and taught secondary school students at Wellesley College and in Niger.

“As dean, Brian’s multidisciplinary dexterity — coupled with his commitment to collaborating and leading — will ensure that our Honors College continues to serve as a defining force in our university’s mission to leverage new knowledge for society’s gain,” Pitt chancellor Patrick Gallagher said in a news release announcing the appointment.

As dean, Dr. Primack will hold the Bernice L. and Morton S. Lerner Chair at the honors college, which provides courses and other opportunities for high-achieving students.

“Under Dr. Primack’s leadership, I am confident that the University Honors College will continue to serve as the center of gravity for our most academically engaged and curious undergraduate students and as a hub of intellectual activity for our entire university community,”

Pitt provost and senior vice chancellor Patricia E. Beeson said in the release.

Emily McConville: emcconville@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1937.

First Published: June 5, 2017, 8:52 p.m.