Prof Hale said yesterday her first priority as dean would be to make sure she maintained the school's international research reputation.
''We're held in high regard internationally, and I'll need to maintain that.''
Prof Hale, who is at present the deputy dean, said she would also focus on attracting foreign students and sending local students abroad.
''Because health is a global issue, I think it's really good that we have exposure to the health needs of the rest of the world, and how they're addressing them.''
She also emphasised the importance of maintaining a ''progressive'' curriculum and ''focusing on the health needs of the future as well as present health needs ... around long-term conditions and greater use of technology.
''I'm just looking forward to taking it over,'' Prof Hale said.
She will take up her new role in mid-July, replacing Prof David Baxter, who has served the maximum 10-year term as dean.
