"Dean, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine"

The University of South Alabama – a dynamic public research university located on the Gulf Coast – invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.

A cornerstone of healthcare and biomedical education in the region, the Whiddon College of Medicine is poised for transformational growth. In January 2027, the University will open one of the most advanced medical college buildings in the nation – a project totaling $230 million. This major investment underscores USA’s long-term vision for the College and its critical role in training the next generation of physicians and advancing clinical, translational and population health research.

As one of Alabama’s two allopathic medical schools and a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Whiddon College of Medicine enrolls approximately 320 medical students and offers a competency-based, organ-system curriculum that progressively integrates clinical experiences throughout all four years. In addition to its M.D. program, the College offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with specialized tracks, strong mentorship, and extensive research opportunities, including summer internships and a research honors program. Its innovative Primary Care Pathway prepares future physicians to serve rural and underserved communities through longitudinal, community-based training. Nationally, the College ranks among the highest in the nation in placing graduates in rural and underserved areas and is consistently a national leader in primary care. The College also supports 240 residents and fellows across 26 ACGME-accredited residency and fellowship programs affiliated with USA Health.

Faculty and learners work in close collaboration with USA Health, the region’s only academic health system, which includes University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Providence Hospital, the Mitchell Cancer Institute, a freestanding emergency department and a growing ambulatory network of more than 40 physician practices spanning both Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Medicine and reports to the Executive Vice President and Provost. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, forward-thinking leader with significant experience in academic medicine and accreditation, a track record of scholarly and clinical achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to medical education, research and community engagement.

The University of South Alabama – located on a 1,200-acre campus – is a research institution on an R1 pathway and serves more than 14,000 students across 11 Colleges and Schools across a broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Located in Mobile, Alabama — a culturally rich, coastal city with a growing economy — USA offers the advantages of a major academic institution in a setting known for its quality of life and vibrant community.

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Dean is selected, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials to our consultant at the address below by October 15th for full consideration. Application materials should include a current CV and letter of interest.

USA Whiddon Dean Search
Funk Associates
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219
Email: Krisha.Creal@funkassociates.com

The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.