A&M System spokesperson Steven Moore says the transition of the Health Science Center from the System to University Administration will continue smoothly, despite the resignation of HSC President, Nancy Dickey.

Dr. Dickey resigned Tuesday, saying in part: "The impending merger of the TAMHSC into the university seems an appropriate time for new leadership to take the helm."

"Dr. Dickey has been a committed and forceful leader of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and we owe her a debt of gratitutde," said John Sharp, chancellor of the A&M System.

E.J. "Jere" Pederson, the former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, will serve as the acting president until the Board of Regents votes on him as interim president.

Moore said, "The fact is, with Mr. Pederson coming in, he and Dr. Loftin have a long history from working in Galveston together. He's one of the most experienced health professionals in the state."

Moore says A&M will conduct a national search for a new president of A&M's medical school and research institute.