Guskiewicz, the senior associate dean for natural sciences and a distinguished professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, was the only internal candidate out of the five finalists.
Student Body President Houston Summers, who sat on the search committee, said Guskiewicz’s connections at UNC will be an advantage.
“He can hit the ground running,” Summers said. “He knows individuals, and he’s already established relationships.”
Chancellor Carol Folt said in the press release that Guskiewicz was a natural fit for the job.
“An extremely accomplished teacher and researcher renowned for his expertise in injury prevention, Kevin represents the very best of Carolina,” she said in the release.
Guskiewicz will take over for current dean Karen Gil, who announced she would step down from the position last November. Gil originally planned to step down in May, but later said she would stay on until January 2016 to give the search committee enough time to find her replacement.
Gil will return to teaching in the psychology department.
Guskiewicz will assume the position on Jan. 1, according to the release.