Washington State University (WSU), a distinguished research and land-grant university, seeks a visionary, experienced leader to serve as Dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. The Dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is a highly visible and influential leader in medical education, clinical training, research, and community‑engaged healthcare across the State of Washington and the broader region. The College of Medicine is grounded in a mission to improve the health of Washington’s communities through innovative education, service‑oriented research, and strong partnerships with clinical affiliates, health systems, and communities throughout the state.
The Dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is responsible for the academic, clinical, and administrative oversight of the college and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President. The Dean provides leadership and vision in strategic planning and implementation, oversees medical education programs across the continuum, supports research and scholarly activity, and advances partnerships that strengthen the state’s health sciences enterprise. The Dean also plays a central role in external engagement, representing the College of Medicine to governmental agencies, accreditation bodies, donors, alumni, clinical partners, and community stakeholders.
Washington State University seeks a collaborative and forward‑thinking Dean with high academic and professional standards; a strong record of leadership in medical education, clinical training, and interprofessional collaboration; a demonstrated commitment to advancing research and scholarship, including the use of AI technologies; and a deep dedication to community‑focused health outcomes. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead in a complex, distributed environment, support faculty and learners across multiple locations, and steward the continued growth and impact of the College of Medicine.
Candidates for the position should hold an earned terminal degree (MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent), possess qualifications consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor in an appropriate academic department, demonstrate relevant senior‑level administrative experience, and have a record of leadership and accomplishment commensurate with national stature in medicine or the health sciences.
For more information about the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, please visit: medicine.wsu.edu.
Candidate Presentation Schedule
We are pleased to announce that three finalists for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine dean search are scheduled for interviews during the weeks of October 12 and October 19. WSU faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend each finalist’s presentation which will outline their vision for Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. The presentations will originate from the WSU Spokane campus and be available for colleagues system-wide via a Zoom webinar. Time will also be reserved for question-and-answer following the presentation. Presentations will be recorded and available for three (3) business days following the respective visit.
*Finalists’ names, biographies, and curriculum vitae will be released three business days before the respective visit.
Finalist 1: George Nicholas Verne
Interim Dean
College of Medicine, University of Tennessee
Presentation Information
- Date: Tuesday, October 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (Pacific)
- Location: Kirk H. Schulz Academic Center, Room 20 (600 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202)
- Please click here to view the recording. The recording will expire on Monday, October 19 at 5:00 PM (Pacific). WSU network ID will be required to view presentation.
Finalist 2: Mark Fox
Associate Dean and Regional Campus Director
School of Medicine, Indiana University
Presentation Information
- Date: Thursday, October 15 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (Pacific)
- Location: Kirk H. Schulz Academic Center, Room 20 (600 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202)
- Join via Zoom WSU network ID will be required to view presentation
Finalist 3: Paul Lyons
President and Dean
California University of Science and Medicine
Presentation Information
- Date: Monday, October 19 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (Pacific)
- Location: Kirk H. Schulz Academic Center, Room 20 (600 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202)
- Join via Zoom WSU network ID will be required to view presentation
Feedback Regarding the Finalists
At the conclusion of each visit, we strongly encourage you to submit your feedback regarding each finalist. Your input will be extremely valuable and will be considered carefully as the next Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Dean is selected. Please click here to complete the survey. The survey will close at 5:00 PM (Pacific) on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Leadership Profile
The position profile for Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Dean search is available electronically.
Search Advisory Committee
- Leila Harrison (Vice Dean for Learner Engagement), Co-Chair
- Courtney Meehan (Dean, College of Arts and Sciences), Co-Chair
- Julie Akers (Dean, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- Ted Chauvin (Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education)
- Julie Eastlund (Business Director, WSU Health)
- Craig Fischer (Senior Director of Organizational Leadership and Development)
- Lars Gilberts (Vice President for Market Development, Numerica Credit Union; and Co-Chair, WSU Spokane Advisory Board)
- Delaney Goulet (Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine)
- Jeff Haney (Senior Vice Provost for Health Sciences, Office of the Provost)
- Susan Hecker (Assistant Dean for Student Learning)
- David Jenson (Interim Chair, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences)
- Dawn Kopp (Vice Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology)
- Anne Mason (Interim Dean, College of Nursing)
- Sterling McPherson (Vice Dean for Research)
- Radha Nandagopal (Vice Dean for Educational and Faculty Affairs)
- Brett Oglesbee (Senior Director of Finance and Operations)
- Oladunni Oluwoye (Associate Professor, Department of Community and Behavioral Health)
- Ken Roberts (Chair, Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology)
- Don Shearer (Senior Associate Vice President, WSU Foundation)
- Susan Stacey (Chief Executive Officer, Providence Inland Northwest Service Area; and Co-Chair, WSU Spokane Advisory Board)
- Patti Stauffer (Director, Health Sciences Public Policy and Advocacy)
Candidate Applications
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the above position profile. Professional references are not requested at this time.
Application materials, confidential nominations, and inquiries should be submitted by August 19, 2026, to Jessica Herrington, Jeff Schroetlin, and Jillian Williams at: jwilliams@wittkieffer.com.
Executive Search Firm
WittKieffer is a Chicago-based firm providing executive search, interim leadership, and leadership advisory services. In business for 55 years, it works exclusively with organizations in education, healthcare, academic medicine, and the life sciences. More information can be found at wittkieffer.com.
Questions
Please contact the Office of the Provost at (509) 335-5581 and ask for Kristina Peterson-Wilson, Vice Provost for Academic Administration & Chief of Staff.
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