The longtime dean of Kansas University’s pharmacy school announced Tuesday that he would leave his leadership role to return to teaching and research.

Jack Fincham, who has been dean for the past nine years, said he planned to step down at the end of the 2003-2004 academic year.

KU officials plan to begin a national search this fall and have a new dean appointed by July 1, 2004.

“Jack Fincham has served the university, the school, the pharmacy profession and the state with distinction,” said David Shulenburger, KU’s provost and executive vice chancellor. “By all measures, the KU School of Pharmacy is one of the best in the world. Jack has much to be proud of, and I’m delighted that he will remain at KU and continue his scholarly career with us.”

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Journal-World.