Beth A. Sullivan, PhD, has been appointed vice dean for basic and preclinical science at Duke University School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2026.
An internationally recognized leader in chromosome biology and human genetics, Sullivan has built an outstanding career at Duke spanning more than two decades, combining scientific excellence with strong institutional leadership. Her research has contributed foundational insights into chromosome structure, the human genome, and disease. She is a James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and currently serves as associate dean for research training.
“Dr. Sullivan’s deep understanding of Duke’s research ecosystem, combined with her collaborative and forward-looking leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to build on our strengths and pursue new opportunities,” said Mary Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs for Duke University and dean of the Duke School of Medicine.
In her new role, Sullivan will provide strategic leadership for the School of Medicine’s basic and preclinical science enterprise. She will oversee planning and alignment across basic science departments, research centers, and institutes and work with clinical and administrative leaders to strengthen the school’s research portfolio, support faculty recruitment and development, and ensure that the school’s infrastructure, training programs, and resources position Duke at the forefront of discovery.
As associate dean, Sullivan has overseen the Office of Biomedical Graduate Education since 2019. The office supports approximately 600 trainees across 15 PhD programs. In this role, she has strengthened graduate education infrastructure, advanced sustainable funding models, and led the development of innovative tools such as the Duke Trainee Tracking Tool (T3), now integrated across Duke.