Dr. Paul Halverson, director of the Arkansas Department of Health since May 2005, will leave the state this spring to be founding dean of the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.

Dr. Nathaniel Smith, the deputy director for Public Health Programs, will serve as interim director

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In making the announcement, the governor’s office said:

“Paul has been at the forefront of many important health initiatives, including our statewide trauma system and the Clean Indoor Air Act, that improve the quality of life for Arkansans,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “We’re sad to see him go, but share his excitement for the opportunity awaiting him in Indiana.”

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