Vice Dean of Healthy Aging

About the Role

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, in partnership with the Marshall Health Network, 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a system‑wide vision and strategic plan for healthy aging across Marshall University aligned with the mission of the health network; establish Marshall as a regional and national leader in gerontology; integrate aging‑focused priorities across clinical care, research, and education.
• Clinical Integration: Partner with clinical departments to enhance geriatric care delivery models, including primary, specialty, and community‑based services; support 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 (translational, clinical, population health); 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 excellence, accreditation compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities; enhance curriculum, clinical training, and scholarly activity; support recruitment, mentorship, and career development of fellows; advance geriatric education across undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional development; develop new training pathways such as 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 able 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 hold a faculty appointment in the appropriate department and will have a dotted‑line reporting relationship to that department chair. Close collaboration with executive leadership across Marshall University and the Marshall Health Network is expected.

Opportunity

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

Qualifications

• Required
  • Education: MD, DO, and/or PhD in a relevant field.
  • Experience: Demonstrated leadership in academic medicine, health‑care administration, or research; strong record of scholarship, funding, and/or program development in aging‑related fields; experience working in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments.
• Preferred
  • Board certification in Geriatric Medicine or Gerontology (physician candidates).
  • Established research program focused on aging, geriatrics, or related disciplines (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: 37.5 hours.
• Winter Break: almost two weeks off in December.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Annual and sick leave: up to 24 days (360 hours) of annual leave and up to 18 days of sick leave per year for classified, non‑classified staff, and 12‑month faculty.
• Health insurance: seven health benefit plans offered through the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA).
• Educational/tuition benefits: tuition assistance for regular employees (after probation) and their dependent children.
• Retirement plans: participation in the mandatory 401(a) retirement plan administered by TIAA.
• Life insurance: basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost; optional additional coverage available pre‑tax.
• Wellness programs: PEIA care‑management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest outlining their vision for advancing healthy aging initiatives at Marshall University. Marshall University is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.