Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), located in Yakima, Washington, seeks an individual with a visionary and pioneering mindset and extensive leadership experience to serve as the Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (hereafter Dean of COM). Since graduating its inaugural class of 70 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012, PNWU has grown substantially, with five health science programs designed to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved communities. The College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and the Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program focus on producing healthcare professionals who reflect and serve the local communities. Located on a collaborative, 70-acre health sciences campus, with 690 students across five health programs, 97 faculty members, and 203 staff, PNWU serves as a hub of collaboration and innovation.
The Dean of COM will join PNWU at a time of meaningful momentum with the continued advancement of a dynamic strategic plan (2025–2028), ongoing expansion of academic offerings, and deepening of clinical partnerships. In addition, the recent appointment of the institution's seventh President, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, marks a pivotal moment for PNWU as the University continues to build on its mission of educating and training health care professionals who serve rural and underserved communities throughout the Northwest. Guided by this enduring commitment to improving health outcomes and expanding access to care, PNWU is well-positioned to further strengthen its impact across the region through mission-driven health sciences education, research, and community engagement.
The COM is a four-year medical school dedicated to training physicians for rural and underserved communities across the Pacific Northwest. There are 40 faculty members in the COM, and the program maintains an intake of approximately 140 students per class, contributing to a total medical student enrollment of roughly 560 students across all four years. On campus, students benefit from a highly collaborative learning environment supported by 44 full-time faculty members across the university's health sciences programs, alongside more than 1,000 adjunct clinical faculty members who mentor students during their off-site clinical rotations throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Dean of COM serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the College, providing strategic vision and contributing significantly to institutional planning and decision-making. The Dean will advance and strengthen the College's academic programs while ensuring alignment between the College's priorities and the University's broader mission and strategic objectives. In partnership with the Provost and other University leaders, the Dean will recommend academic policies, facilitate collaboration across the College, and promote a cohesive approach to institutional success. The Dean will champion PNWU's mission, vision, and strategic plan by fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, equity, inclusion, and belonging. As a steward of the College's resources, the Dean will oversee the responsible allocation of financial, human, and operational assets to support student achievement, faculty and staff success, and meaningful impact within the communities that PNWU serves.
The next Dean of COM will have earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine; an unrestricted medical license at some time in their career, with no licensing board actions that restricted or suspended the license, during any period of licensure; AOA or ABMS board certification at some time in their career; more than 9 years of experience, and at least five years of proven experience within the last ten years in academic leadership roles that includes budget management authority.
It is preferred that the next Dean will have nationally recognized achievement in academic pursuits that would warrant appointment as a full professor and will bring progressive and broad administrative leadership experience as a current or former Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, and/or Chair of an academic unit at a college of osteopathic medicine, allopathic medicine, military, or public health facility.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 20, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to WittKieffer consultants Zach Smith, Ph.D., Kerry Quealy, and Jillian Williams via email at [contact details available in the full listing].
The anticipated annual salary range for this opportunity is $350,000 – $430,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance available. Benefits include medical, dental, and paid time off. Full details: PNWU Employee Benefits.
PNWU is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment and student application decisions on the basis of merit. The University shall not discriminate against faculty, staff, volunteers, students, or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law for any reason including recruitment, selection, and promotion. As well, PNWU prohibits all forms of harassment by students, employees, guests, or volunteers whether intentional or unintentional, on campus or at other owned or contracted facilities.
