FORT SMITH — The Arkansas State University of Health Education welcomes a new dean to the College of Osteopathic Medicine this summer.
Dr. Shannon Jimenez, current Senior Associate Dean at the University of Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, will become Dean effective June 1. The College of Osteopathic Medicine is part of the Arkansas College of Health Education.
The current president, Lance McLain, has been appointed senior vice president of medical education for the American Association of Osteopathic Medical Colleges, a non-profit organization based in Bethesda, Maryland. He was appointed Chancellor in his 2019.
The association supports all accredited colleges in osteopathic medicine, said Susan Devero, the college’s executive director of marketing, communications and community relations.
“It’s a great new position for him, and we’re very proud of it. It’s also a remote position, so he’ll be able to teach some classes at Fort Smith School,” she said. Said.
Previously, Jimenez was the first Clinical Dean and Interim Dean of the Sam Houston State University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Huntsville, Texas, and was the Regional Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, North Carolina. rice field. She trained in family medicine in Michigan and practiced for 20 years in rural North Carolina before moving to Texas.
Jimenez said he is honored and excited to lead the university as it continues to serve the community as a leading educator of osteopathic medical students.
Kyle D. Parker, president and chief executive officer of the University of Arkansas, said he was thrilled to have Jimenez lead the university with her years of experience in medical education.
“I have complete confidence in Dr. Jimenez taking on the role of Lance McClane’s dean,” he said.
Jimenez and her husband, Antonio, have two grown children and live in Fort Smith.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is a private, non-profit institution located on over 500 acres in Fort Smith. The institution offers a PhD in Osteopathic Medicine, a PhD in Occupational Therapy, a PhD in Physical Therapy, and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
According to the Osteopathic Association of America, doctors of osteopathic medicine practice in all medical specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery.
The Arkansas University of Health Education graduated last May with its second batch of 150 physicians from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. The school launched an occupational therapy degree program last January, completed an eight-acre celebration garden and wellness park, and began construction on several student residences on campus.