Search begins for the dean of the CMU College of Medicine

Paula Lancaster, Provost and Executive Vice President of Central Michigan University, has announced a national search to seek the next dean of the CMU College of Medicine.

“This is an exciting and pivotal moment for the CMU College of Medicine, and the next dean will play a central role in advancing the college’s mission, cultivating the next generation of physicians, and fostering collaboration across the university and with our healthcare and community partners,” Provost Lancaster said.   

As the chief academic and operating officer for all CMU College of Medicine affairs and the CMU Health-Mount Pleasant campus clinics, the dean champions excellence across all facets of the medical education program, including clinical experiences and the college’s research portfolio. With strategic oversight of accreditation, faculty affairs, budgeting, and hospital partnerships, the dean drives continuous innovation in medical training and ensures compliance with the highest standards. They cultivate key relationships with healthcare affiliates, promote interdisciplinary research initiatives, and bolster the college’s financial sustainability through fundraising and strategic planning. By advancing high-quality clinical care and promoting community engagement, this role is pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare in Michigan and beyond - serving as a key advisor on statewide health issues and representing CMU on the national stage.

Lancaster appointed Dr. Tina Thompson, Interim Dean, CMU College of Medicine, as chair of the search committee. The search committee will be deeply involved in the search process and will play a key role in the selection of the next dean. Members of the search committee are:

• Donnesha Blake, Director of Engagement and Enrichment, CMU College of Medicine
• Beth Charlton, President and CEO, Covenant HealthCare
• Robert David, President and CEO, McLaren Central Michigan
• Patrick Fakhoury, CMU College of Medicine student and M4 class treasurer
• Katie Flannery, Program Director, Physician Assistant Program
• Marita Hattem-Schiffman, President, MyMichigan Health – Clare, Alma & Mt. Pleasant
• Julie Montross, Associate Vice President and Controller, Financial Services and Reporting
• Erica Peters, Executive Assistant to the Provost
• Eric Petersen, Assistant Professor and Basic Science Researcher, CMU College of Medicine
• Süreyya Savaşan, Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Researcher, University Pediatricians
• Sara Schafer, Director of Development, CMU College of Medicine & The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions
• Brad Swanson, Interim Vice President for Research & Innovation
• Tina Thompson, Interim Dean, CMU College of Medicine
• Vishwas Vaniawala, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, CMU Medical Education Partners
• Lydia Watson, President and CEO, MyMichigan Health

The search for the dean of the CMU College of Medicine will be conducted throughout the Fall of 2025, supported by Margaret Stover, Dr. Josh Ward, and Dr. Toni Lam, with the executive search firm Korn Ferry. 

Early next month, listening sessions will be organized in collaboration with the Korn Ferry team. These sessions will provide stakeholders with opportunities to share their thoughts on the ideal the qualities and attributes of the next dean, challenges and opportunities associated with the role, and points of pride about the CMU College of Medicine. Once finalized, the details of these listening sessions will be shared as a separate announcement and available on the Provost’s website.