WMU names first med school founding dean
A professor of pediatrics and regional dean for the Western Campus of Tufts University School of Medicine has been named founding dean of the Western Michigan University School of Medicine.
Hal B. Jenson, M.D., will assume his new post in March or April.
Jenson was selected from among nearly 60 candidates whose credentials were considered by a community search committee. He was one of three candidates who made public presentations in Kalamazoo last fall.
Jenson says it’s an honor to be asked to serve as founding dean of the school, especially considering its partnerships with Borgess Health, Bronson Healthcare and the community. “This is an exceptional opportunity for innovation as we work together to create the future of medical education right here in Kalamazoo,” Jenson says.
WMU President John M. Dunn says Jenson has a strong background in academic medicine, medical education and research positions. He also has extensive experience in health care systems relevant to West Michigan. “Dr. Jenson is the right choice to lead the development of our medical school,” says Dunn.
A physician and educator with more than 30 years experience, Jenson says he was drawn to the founding dean position by the opportunity to help create a new medical school at a national research university in a community with major health care, educational and life sciences assets.
Jenson is an alumnus of Brigham Young University. He earned a medical degree from George Washington University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University. He did a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Yale University School of Medicine. He also was a visiting fellow in molecular biology at Cambridge’s Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.
Private funding specifically for the medical school will be used for Jenson’s annual base salary of $400,000.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Thom Myers, Western Michigan University
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