About

Dr. Ronald P. Strauss is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Executive Vice Provost and Chief International Officer. He holds joint appointments in three schools, as Dental Friends Distinguished Professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Dental Ecology, Professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Social Medicine, and Clinical Professor in the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology. Dr. Strauss is a medical sociologist and a dentist. His research has been on the social impacts of HIV/AIDS, craniofacial conditions and global health issues. He is the Lead Faculty member for the Campus-wide course on HIV/AIDS at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Dr. Strauss is a trained ethnographer and has used qualitative and survey research methods in numerous social research projects, and his global work has included being a visiting professor in Brazil and Israel, and conducting social research in Thailand, Moldova and China. Dr. Strauss’s research has focused on the social impacts of chronic health problems, especially in HIV/AIDS. His work combines his clinical, social science, ethical, and health policy interests as they relate to research participation, HIV/AIDS, stigma, and access to healthcare. He is a member of the UNC Craniofacial Center team and a specialist in the assessment and treatment of craniofacial conditions including cleft lip and palate.

As the Executive Vice Provost of UNC, he works with the schools and deans regarding promotion and tenure, faculty recruitment and retention, academic planning, program reviews, senior administrative searches and performance reviews, and University/school accreditation. As UNC’s Chief International Officer he works on global partnerships, advancement activities, and global educational and research initiatives, and provides leadership to the global programs and partnerships of the University.