Vice Dean of Healthy Aging

About Us

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, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. We are located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, with additional locations in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Teays Valley, and Beckley.

Marshall University’s mission includes a commitment to:

• Offer a wide range of high quality, affordable, and accessible undergraduate, graduate, and professional education that prepares students to think, learn, work, and live in an evolving global society.
• Create opportunities and experiences to foster understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of thought and culture.
• Maintain a dynamic intellectual, artistic, and cultural life by promoting and supporting research and creative activities by undergraduates, graduates, and faculty.
• Contribute to the quality of life of the community, region, and beyond through applied research, economic development, health care, and cultural enrichment.
• Cultivate the development of an inclusive, just, and equitable community.

About the Role

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) at Marshall University, in partnership with Marshall Health Network (MHN), seeks an accomplished and visionary physician (MD/DO) or scientist (PhD) to serve as the Vice Dean of Healthy Aging. This senior leadership role will advance a comprehensive strategy to improve health outcomes, research, education, and community engagement focused on aging populations across Appalachia and beyond. The Vice Dean will lead the development of innovative clinical, educational, and research initiatives that promote healthy aging, address the complexities of geriatric care, and position Marshall as a national leader in aging and longevity science.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a system-wide vision and strategic plan for healthy aging across Marshall University aligned with the mission of MHN.
  • Establish Marshall as a regional and national leader in gerontology and healthy aging initiatives.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate aging-focused priorities across clinical care, research, and education.
• Clinical Integration
  • Partner with clinical departments to enhance geriatric care delivery models, including primary care, specialty care, and community-based services.
  • Support development of innovative care models addressing chronic disease, frailty, cognitive decline, and social determinants of health.
  • Promote interdisciplinary approaches to care for older adults.
• Research Development
  • Expand and support a robust portfolio of aging-related research, including translational, clinical, and population health studies.
  • Foster collaborations across departments, institutions, and external partners.
  • Pursue federal, state, and philanthropic funding opportunities focused on aging and longevity.
• Education, Training & Fellowship Oversight
  • Provide strategic and operational oversight of the Gerontology/Geriatrics Fellowship Program, ensuring program excellence, accreditation compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Collaborate with program leadership to enhance curriculum development, clinical training experiences, and scholarly activity.
  • Support recruitment, mentorship, and career development of fellows pursuing careers in geriatrics and aging-related disciplines.
  • Advance geriatric education across undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, and continuing professional development.
  • Develop and expand training pathways, including new fellowships or certificates in aging-related fields.
• Community Engagement & Outreach
  • Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, long-term care facilities, and public health entities.
  • Lead initiatives addressing rural aging populations and health disparities in Appalachia.
  • Promote programs that support aging in place, caregiver support, and population health.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary and strategic thinker with a passion for improving the lives of older adults.
• Collaborative leader with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the mission of academic medicine and service to underserved populations.

Reporting Structure

The Vice Dean of Healthy Aging will report to the Dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The successful candidate will also have a faculty appointment in the appropriate department and have a dotted line to that respective department chair. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership across Marshall University and Marshall Health Network.

Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of aging care and research in a region with significant need and opportunity. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing innovative solutions that improve longevity, quality of life, and health equity for aging populations.

Requirements

• Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.

Qualifications

• Education
  • MD, DO, and/or PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in academic medicine, healthcare administration, or research.
  • Strong record of scholarship, funding, and/or program development in aging-related fields.
  • Experience working in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Education
    • Board certification in Geriatric Medicine or Gerontology (for physician candidates).
  • Experience
    • Established research program focused on aging, geriatrics, or related disciplines (for PhD candidates).
    • Experience in rural health, population health, or health system transformation.
    • National recognition in the field of aging, geriatrics, or gerontology.

Benefits

• Work week is 37.5 hours.
• Employees receive almost two weeks off for Winter Break in December.
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays.
• Annual and Sick Leave:
  • Classified Staff, Non-Classified Staff, and 12-month Faculty earn up to 24 days of annual leave per year (max 360 hours).
  • Up to 18 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance: Offered through West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) with seven health benefit plans.
• Educational/Tuition Benefits: Provided to regular employees (after probationary period) and their dependent children.
• Retirement Plans: Offered 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 provides various care management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.