Helfgott founder, immunology expert and professor will support students and faculty in new leadership role. 

The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has named Dr. Heather Zwickey, professor and founding director of the Helfgott Research Institute, as its Vice President of Research and Academic Excellence. 

In her new leadership role, Zwickey will now serve as chief academic officer for NUNM overseeing the School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies and the College of Classical Chinese Medicine. She will also continue to teach coursework and manage operations at the university’s esteemed Helfgott Research Institute.

“She teaches in every single program on campus, supports our admissions department, and has always played a key role in supporting faculty and students,” said NUNM President and CEO Dr. Melanie Henriksen. “Unquestionably, she already holds a reputation as a leader and one of the most loved individuals here.” 

Zwickey, who earned her Ph.D. in immunology and microbiology from the University of  Colorado Health Sciences Center, first joined NUNM in 2002. Since then, she has led a seasoned career as both an educator and researcher and played an instrumental role in the university’s transformation over the past two decades.