Dean and Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)—among the nation’s most renowned and impactful public research universities—seeks a collaborative leader who is committed to excellence across all mission areas to serve as the next Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) and Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs (Dean). This position plays a pivotal role in building on the tremendous academic strengths within SMPH, ensuring meaningful connections to preeminent research across UW–Madison, and facilitating the ongoing success and development of a world-class, future-oriented clinical enterprise. UW–Madison is driven by its mission of public service as articulated in the “Wisconsin Idea,” and SMPH is a model of this commitment to the public good by positively influencing the lives of people across the state, the region, and the world through access to exceptional care, development of cutting-edge science and cures, and innovative education in rural and urban settings.

As a public land-grant university and one of the most prolific research institutions in the world, UW–Madison is home to those who are driven by a desire both to explore new worlds and to apply new ideas to real-world problems. With a total annual budget of over $3.9 billion, including more than $1.52 billion in annual research expenditures, UW–Madison has been in the top ten for national research spending every year since 1972. Few institutions match UW–Madison’s incredible depth and remarkable breadth. 

SMPH is recognized as an international leader in education, research, and service. It was the first combined school of medicine and public health in the nation, and as such, is distinctively positioned to address healthcare challenges of the future. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top medical schools, SMPH has established leading academic programs across the entire spectrum of academic medicine. The school houses 27 departments, numerous research centers and institutes, and offers five health professions degree programs and several basic science doctorate and master’s programs. UW Health, an independent, nonprofit entity governed by the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority, is the leading health provider in Wisconsin. It is a $5.1 billion health system with six hospitals and numerous outpatient sites that offers exceptional care and provides access throughout the state as well as into Northern Illinois. 

The next Dean will inherit a strong foundation and a successful school poised for growth and enhanced impact. The Dean will join a dynamic and ambitious leadership team at the University that is striving to elevate UW–Madison to even greater heights of excellence in research and impact and a collaborative team at UW Health that is committed to the academic mission. 

The successful candidate will be a leader in academic medicine with a deep understanding of trends and issues in healthcare delivery, education, and research. Applicants must have an MD, MD/PhD, DO, or equivalent degree(s); must be board certified; eligible for a Wisconsin medical license; have a record of achievement in administrative leadership, research, clinical care, and teaching; and a strong academic background with a record of scholarship that would qualify for appointment as a tenured professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

See the formal UW–Madison Position Vacancy Listing, which sets forth the Dean’s duties and responsibilities, here. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process with a priority application date of August 26, 2024. 

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is required. Applicants should include a current resume or curriculum vitae and a comprehensive cover letter that addresses how their strengths and experience match the qualifications for the position, as well as the names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five references. Candidates will be consulted before references are contacted.

Important information regarding confidentiality: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, UW-Madison is required by Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7) to release the names of all applicants to anyone who requests that information. If you would like to request confidentiality, please indicate that in an email to Lileana Sethares (lsethares@imsearch.com) and request acknowledgment to that effect. All candidates who advance to the finalist stage will be announced publicly prior to their campus visits. 

Ariannah Mirick, Jamie Sands and John Muckle are leading this search with Jane McInerney and Lileana Sethares.

Employment will require an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. To be considered, applicants must upload a signed 'Authorization to Release Information' form as part of the application. The authorization form and a definition of 'misconduct' can be found here.

The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Please visit here to complete voluntary self-identification information. PVL #289421