Boucher to Become Director of Undergraduate Studies at Sanford on July 1

Nathan Boucher, associate research professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, will become the new director of undergraduate studies in the school as of July 1, Dean Judith Kelley announced today.

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Boucher joined Sanford as a visiting assistant professor in 2016 and was promoted to associate research professor at Sanford in 2021. Boucher is also associate professor in the School of Medicine (in Geriatric Medicine and Population Health Sciences) and core faculty at the Margolis Center for Health Policy.

Boucher succeeds faculty member Christina Gibson-Davis in this leadership role.

“Christina and the seasoned Sanford Undergraduate Studies team have been a stabilizing force for our students during a critical time. I look forward to continuing to support our students and faculty in the delivery of our popular and exemplary public policy major,” Boucher said.

Gibson-Davis served as the director of undergraduate studies at Sanford for the past four years. She is also professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, professor of sociology, faculty research scholar of DuPRI's Population Research Center, and affiliate of the Center for Child and Family Policy. In addition to her leadership and teaching, her research footprint has addressed some of the biggest challenges in policy, including how to deal with the unequitable resources available to children and their parents.

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“I wish Nathan the best as he takes on the important new role. Sanford’s Public Policy Studies program encompasses some of the most pressing issues of our day. Nathan will provide the leadership and skill necessary to develop the next generation of leaders,” she said.

Sanford Dean Judith Kelley recognized Boucher and Gibson-Davis for their leadership and service. 

“I am so thankful for Nathan and Christina and their dedication to our students. Nathan has taken on more roles and contributed to Sanford significantly through his teaching, research expertise and community engagement,” Kelley said. “I enthusiastically thank Christina for her leadership of our undergraduate studies over the past four years. Christina and the DUS office ensured a high level of customer service throughout the pandemic, advising majors online and keeping their needs and health top of mind. Christina also prioritized our undergraduate program website, newsletter and publications – helping to elevate our undergraduate program in many ways.”

Boucher is a research health scientist at Durham VA Health System’s Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT). His research has focused on assessing patients’ and caregivers’ experiences and expectations of health care delivery during advanced illness and near the end of life. He has extensive experience in clinical medicine, health care administration, health professions education, hospice and palliative care quality improvement, and community-based research. He received his DrPH from State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, his MPA from Baruch College and an M.S. from Northeastern University.

Learn more about Sanford’s undergraduate program in Public Policy Studies.