Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Marshall University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Founded in 1837 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall, the university advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. Located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, with additional locations in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Teays Valley, and Beckley, Marshall University is committed to offering high-quality, accessible education, fostering diversity, supporting research and creative activities, and contributing to community and regional development.

About the role

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) at Marshall University seeks an exceptional candidate for the position of Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The department is a comprehensive academic unit providing a full spectrum of women’s health services, including general obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic surgery, gynecologic oncology, reproductive health, urogynecology, and pediatric and adolescent gynecology. The department operates one of only two in-vitro fertilization labs in West Virginia and delivers care at Marshall Health Network – Cabell Huntington Hospital and ambulatory sites across the region.

Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership
  • Provide visionary leadership to advance the department’s growth and a culture of excellence.
  • Collaborate with Marshall Health Network leadership to enhance clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, quality, and research initiatives.
  • Ensure exceptional clinical and research education and training for medical students, residents, and fellows, while mentoring faculty.
  • Maintain the highest standards of academic and clinical excellence for residency and fellowship training programs.
• Clinical
  • Oversee planning, funding, and sustainability of departmental activities while maintaining required accreditations and certifications.
  • Work directly with hospital administration to develop budgets and manage financial issues related to clinical operations.
  • Expand services across West Virginia and surrounding rural communities.
• Research and Scholarly Advancement
  • Guide, grow, and participate in a dynamic collaborative research environment.
  • Support faculty in securing extramural funding, developing translational research, and sustaining nationally recognized research programs.
  • Identify and address departmental research infrastructure and resource needs.
• Faculty Development and Recruitment
  • Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and high-performing faculty.
  • Conduct faculty evaluations and support professional growth through mentorship and performance recognition.
  • Encourage collaborative and cross-disciplinary academic activity.
• Strategic and Fiscal Management
  • Collaborate with the Dean and leadership team to shape and implement a strategic departmental vision that supports institutional goals.
  • Oversee the department budget and financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Institutional and Community Engagement
  • Represent the department within the medical school, across the university, and with external partners and agencies.
  • Serve on key committees and support initiatives that advance institutional priorities and regional impact.
  • Foster a sense of community, transparency, and shared purpose among faculty, learners, and staff.
  • Promote community partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Requirements

• Education
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• Experience
  • Eligibility for medical licensure in West Virginia.
  • Mid-career obstetrician-gynecologist or OB-GYN subspecialist with at least five years of experience as a full-time faculty member in academic medicine.
  • A strong background in academic obstetrics and gynecology and board certification in obstetrics and gynecology or an applicable subspecialty.
  • Demonstrated success in leadership roles, including faculty and student mentorship, strategic planning, and organizational development.
  • Experience with fiscal management, academic program oversight, and a record of faculty recruitment and retention.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic credentials that merit appointment at the rank of full Professor at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research or teaching initiatives; a track record of extramural funding is a plus.
• Familiarity with challenges and opportunities unique to rural health and community-based research.
• Ability to advocate effectively for the department’s mission within a complex academic and healthcare environment.

Benefits

Marshall University offers outstanding benefit packages to eligible employees, including:

• Work Schedule and Leave
  • 37.5-hour work week.
  • Almost two weeks off for Winter Break in December.
  • 13 paid holidays per year.
  • Annual and sick leave: classified staff, non-classified staff, and 12-month faculty earn up to 24 days of annual leave (max 360 hours) and up to 18 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance
  • Health insurance through West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) with seven health benefit plans.
• Educational/Tuition Benefits
  • Tuition benefits for regular employees (after probationary period) and their dependent children.
• Retirement Plans
  • Retirement through Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA); full-time benefits-eligible employees must participate in the mandated retirement plan (401(a)).
• Life Insurance
  • Basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost; optional life insurance coverage available with pre-tax earnings.
• Wellness Programs
  • PEIA care management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.