KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) has announced that its founding dean, Hal B. Jenson, MD, will be retiring in 2021.
Jenson’s retirement will come after a decade-long tenure for the medical school, and a search is now underway. His replacement is expected to be named by early 2021, according to a release from school officials.
Jenson began his career with the school in 2011, helping to establish its founding in July 2012.
Officials add that under Jenson’s leadership, the school has met a number of accomplishments, such as the granting of full accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, as well as certification with the U.S. Department of Education.
Three classes of graduating doctors from the school have all successfully gained residency elsewhere.
“Since March 2011, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the founding dean of WMed,” Dr. Jenson said in February when he announced his retirement. “We have accomplished significant milestones as a new medical school and focused on operational excellence to become even better. I hope you share the same sense of accomplishment that I have for the medical school that we, together, have created. The significance of what we have accomplished, and continue to accomplish makes our work important, but it is working with outstanding people that, to me, makes the work most rewarding. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.”
Before making a public announcement, Jenson informed the WMed Board of Directors about his decision last year for the purposes of launching a replacement search early. A 13-member search committee for WMed’s new dean was formed in early 2020 and is being led by WMU President Edward Montgomery, PhD, who also serves as chair of the Board of Directors.
“Finding Dr. Jenson’s successor is a critical task and committee members have committed their time and effort over what will be an 11-month period to assist WMed in this important recruitment process,” Dr. Montgomery said in a statement. “I want to thank Dr. Jenson for his steadfast and unwavering leadership of the medical school over the last 10 years and his willingness to assist in what will be an important transition over the next year.”
The national search for WMed’s next dean officially began this week, and nominations and applications will be accepted through the summer so that candidates can be presented to the search committee in September. It is anticipated that candidates will be on campus in late fall to participate in interviews and presentations to the WMed community.
More information about the position and the leadership profile for the medical school’s next dean can be found on the WMed Employment webpage.
