University's Program in Human Sexuality Names Eli Coleman, Ph.D., to First Endowed Position

Endowed chair in sexual health is first of its kind

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (June 1, 2007) -- Renowned sexual health expert Eli Coleman, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural holder of the University of Minnesota’s academic Chair in Sexual Health, the first of its kind in the world.

A group of sexual health advocates celebrated Coleman’s appointment to the endowed position at an invitation-only reception on Thursday, May 31, at the Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis.

Coleman is director of the Program in Human Sexuality, part of the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A committed advocate for his field of study, Coleman is well known for his research on sexual orientation, compulsive sexual behavior, gender dysphoria and both psychological and pharmacologic treatment of a variety of sexual disorders.

“We have a plethora of sexual health problems facing this country,” Coleman said. “With support from this endowed chair, I hope to further the Program in Human Sexuality’s mission to create a sexually healthier world. The chair will bring attention to the importance of building an endowment for the future of sexual health for generations to come.”

Since the university’s Program in Human Sexuality was established in 1971, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive centers for sexual health treatment, research and education.

The endowed Chair in Sexual Health is funded with more than $4 million in private donations through the Minnesota Medical Foundation. More than 300 donors came forward with the first $1 million for the chair; then an anonymous donor pledged an additional $3 million toward the position. The money, to be used at the chair holder’s discretion, will fund research, education, patient care, public policy advocacy and efforts to recruit and retain top faculty members.

Former U.S. Surgeon General M. Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., a member of the Program in Human Sexuality’s leadership council, and Medical School Dean Deborah E. Powell, M.D., spoke at the appointment ceremony.

“Eli Coleman has made significant contributions, nationally and internationally, to the understanding of sexual health,” Powell said. “With this endowed chair, he will be able to do even more to develop this important field of study.”

About the Minnesota Medical Foundation
Founded in 1939, the Minnesota Medical Foundation raises millions of dollars annually for health-related education and research at the University of Minnesota, with gifts supporting faculty positions, scholarships, academic programs, equipment purchases and research. For more information, please visit www.mmf.umn.edu.

Contact: Michael Russell, Minnesota Medical Foundation, 612-624-4429