Description
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: President & Provost of Benedictine College
Grade/Level: D.O. Degree
THE OPPORTUNITY
Benedictine College, a Catholic institution in Atchison, Kansas, is known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and spiritual growth, guided by Benedictine values of faith, community, and scholarship. This foundation makes the college an ideal environment for establishing the Benedictine College of Osteopathic Medicine (Benedictine COM), aimed at training compassionate and skilled osteopathic physicians dedicated to serving underserved communities and addressing healthcare disparities. By opening an osteopathic medical school, Benedictine College intends to extend its influence in Catholic healthcare on both national and global scales. The college's mission-driven focus and commitment to healthcare provider shortages—particularly in rural areas—underscore its readiness to build this medical school within a faith-integrated, liberal arts framework. A supportive national network of Catholic hospitals and health systems have already shown interest in collaborating, enhancing clinical education and hands-on learning.
Benedictine College is searching for a Founding Dean who embodies Catholic values and can lead Benedictine COM through the accreditation process, faculty recruitment, and student body development. The Founding Dean will play a central role in aligning the new school with Benedictine's mission and values, establishing a high-quality curriculum that meets the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation’s (COCA) standards, and fostering partnerships with Catholic healthcare providers nationally. This position will involve close collaboration with Benedictine’s President and Provost and includes overseeing the College of Osteopathic Medicine's administration, academics, budget, and resources. The Dean’s leadership will set a strong foundation for the medical school, driving excellence in education and research and addressing critical healthcare needs in the Midwest and beyond.
The Founding Dean’s success will be supported by Benedictine’s experienced administrators, faculty, and alumni network, which together create a collaborative and inclusive environment prioritizing ethical leadership and community service. This strategic initiative underscores Benedictine College’s dedication to impacting healthcare education meaningfully, drawing on its value-driven mission, strong regional support, and the college’s strategic location.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FOUNDING DEAN
Connect the Mission and Vision with Clinical Partners
Working closely with college administration and board of trustees, the Dean will articulate and implement a compelling vision for the new COM, guiding its growth and ensuring alignment with Benedictine College’s mission and Catholic values. The Dean will actively promote and integrate Benedictine COM into Catholic healthcare systems, forging partnerships with Catholic hospitals leaders and inspiring philanthropic support for the COM and its mission.
Pursue and Earn COCA Accreditation
Achieving COCA accreditation for Benedictine COM is a critical priority. The accreditation process, which may take up to three years, will require the Dean’s dedication to meeting and maintaining rigorous standards, supporting the development of a program that can recruit, educate, and graduate well-prepared osteopathic physicians.
Build a Culture of Excellence and Engaged Leadership
The Founding Dean will create a culture of excellence rooted in Catholic values, fostering respect, integrity, creativity, and community service. Recruiting and supporting talented faculty and staff, the Dean will build a leadership team dedicated to servant leadership. The Dean will mentor and role-model ethical, compassionate medical practice, embodying the values of Benedictine College and fostering a supportive, engaging environment for students.
Develop a Cutting-Edge Curriculum
The Founding Dean, in close partnership with Benedictine College’s academic leaders, will create a progressive curriculum that incorporates interdisciplinary and interprofessional approaches. The curriculum will emphasize holistic care, population health, and advanced technologies while adhering to COCA standards. Through the curriculum, The Founding Dean will lead Benedictine COM in developing a reputation for excellence in osteopathic education, research, clinical training, and community-based care, making a meaningful impact on healthcare nationally. Further, the Dean will work closely with leaders across the college to foster partnerships that leverage collective strengths.
Oversee Facility Development for the COM
The Dean will collaborate with architects, contractors, and the Benedictine College community to design and oversee the construction of an innovative, technologically advanced facility that supports medical education and student success.
Requirements
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND QUALITIES
The Founding Dean of Benedictine College’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (Benedictine COM) will be a visionary leader skilled in osteopathic practice, education, and research within a dynamic healthcare environment. Candidates must possess strong communication abilities, extensive experience in medical education, and a commitment to Catholic values.
This strategic role involves establishing Benedictine COM’s academic, operational, and spiritual direction while fostering an innovative, mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate will embody Benedictine College’s mission of faith and scholarship, inspiring excellence in patient care and contributing to the college's growth as a leader in faith-based medical education. In alignment with COCA requirements, the Founding Dean must:
- Possess a D.O. degree from a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine
- Hold an unrestricted medical license at some point in their career (free from disciplinary actions),
- Have AOA or ABMS board certification
- Have at least five years of recent experience in academic leadership, including responsibilities in curriculum development, accreditation, compliance, and budget management.
In addition to COCA requirements above, Benedictine College is seeking a Founding Dean that also embodies the following qualities:
- A practicing Roman Catholic
- Comprehensive experience with COCA accreditation processes, with success in achieving maintaining accreditation.
- Experience developing curriculum for a new osteopathic medical school, focusing on innovation and adherence to COCA standards.
- Exceptional collaboration and leadership skills in a collegial and faith-based environment.
- Proven success in working with hospitals and health systems to achieve shared goals, embodying a “leader among leaders” approach.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of innovative leadership, incorporating current advancements in curricula, technology, and teaching methodologies.
- Extensive management experience in the “business” of medical schools, including finances, accreditation, clinical enterprise, and budget/grant management.
EOE
