Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Medicine

Overview:

The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, in partnership with Korn Ferry, invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University is a nationally recognized institution dedicated to educating patient-centered physicians who are partners and leaders in an interprofessional workforce serving the diverse needs of our communities. Established through a transformative gift from the family of Frank H. Netter, a renowned physician and medical illustrator, the school is located on Quinnipiac’s graduate campus in North Haven, Connecticut alongside the professional schools of nursing, health sciences, law, and education. This collaborative setting fosters active learning in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation laboratories, standardized patient assessment rooms, and advanced clinical training environments.

Since welcoming its inaugural class in 2013, the school has rapidly built a national reputation, with graduates matching in over 20 specialties in top-ranked programs across the country. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure through a robust network of community hospitals and healthcare providers, offering students diverse clinical settings to hone their skills. Rooted in a humanistic approach to medicine, the school’s mission centers on compassionate care, integrity, inclusivity, academic excellence, and social responsibility, shaping a new generation of healthcare leaders committed to advancing patient care and health access.

The school seeks a strategic and student-centered leader to serve as its next Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, the Associate Dean will provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Office of Student Affairs and its comprehensive portfolio of programs that support medical students and enhance their educational experience. This includes initiatives focused on academic success, mentoring and coaching, career development and advising, student well-being and resilience, financial and wellness programming. Additional responsibilities include stewardship of financial aid and scholarships, compliance with LCME accreditation standards, and continuous quality improvement efforts to enhance the student experience. The Associate Dean will oversee major student events such as Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, and Commencement, while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes belonging and professional growth. The role also serves as a visible advocate for students, collaborating across offices and with external partners to ensure seamless support throughout the medical education journey.

Korn Ferry is assisting Quinnipiac University with this critical recruitment. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to . Please also reach out if you would like to see a comprehensive position profile.

About the School of Medicine: The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University (QU Netter), which welcomed its inaugural class in 2013, is dedicated to educating compassionate, patient-centered physicians who lead with integrity, collaborate across the healthcare spectrum, and advance the health of communities they serve.

Located on Quinnipiac’s North Haven Campus - home to the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences, Law, and Education - QU Netter offers a state-of-the-art facilities designed to optimize learning. Our integrated, systems-based curriculum emphasizes active learning, early clinical immersion, and collaboration within interprofessional teams, preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing health care landscape.

With 390 medical students, six residency programs, and a faculty dedicated to innovative pedagogy, QU Netter is recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report as #18 in the nation for graduates practicing in rural areas and as Connecticut’s top-ranked medical school for graduates practicing in primary care. QU Netter continues the inspiring legacy of Dr. Frank H. Netter by educating physicians who combine scientific excellence with humanism, service, and leadership who advance health outcomes and strengthen communities.

At QU Netter, students learn in a culture defined by respect, inclusivity, and shared purpose: to prepare future physicians to care for both our patients and our profession with empathy, skill, and social responsibility. About Quinnipiac: Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing & Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includes a 2023 NCAA National Championship win in ice hockey, a three-time defending national champion women’s rugby team, and a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women’s basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities. The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and just opened a South Quad with three new buildings. qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities:

Student Support and Well-Being
• Provide strategic leadership for programs that promote student academic success, personal development, and well-being.
• Oversee academic advising, success coaching, and student retention initiatives in collaboration with faculty and student affairs staff.
• Ensure accessible, confidential, and high-quality academic, professional, and wellness support services for all students.
• Collaborate with mental health and wellness partners and the Office of Accessibility to provide students with counseling, crisis intervention, and accommodations.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes belonging, resilience, and professional growth.

Career Development and Advising
• Direct all aspects of career and professional development, including residency advising, the residency application process, and Match preparation.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE/Dean’s Letter).
• Deliver career guidance aligned with the AAMC Careers in Medicine curriculum.
• Develop and lead initiatives that promote professional identity formation.
• Provide mentorship and career development opportunities in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Career Advising, and other faculty mentors.

Student Engagement and Community
• Oversee student activities, governance, co-curricular programming, and related support systems in partnership with the Director of Student Affairs.
• Direct planning and execution of major student events including Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, Recommitment Ceremony, and Commencement in partnership with the Director of Student Affairs.
• Promote student engagement, leadership development, service, and community-building initiatives.
• Serve as a visible and accessible advocate for students, maintaining open communication and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Stewardship
• Provide strategic oversight for the School of Medicine’s financial aid programs, ensuring that all processes align with institutional policies, federal regulations, and the School’s mission to support student access and success.
• Partner with the Director of Financial Aid and the Office of Admissions to oversee the allocation of scholarships and need-based aid for enrolled students, ensuring fair, transparent, and mission-aligned distribution of resources.
• Analyze trends in student indebtedness, aid utilization, and scholarship impact and lead data-driven initiatives to reduce financial barriers for medical students.
• Collaborate with the offices of Development and Alumni Affairs to align donor-supported scholarships with student needs and strategic priorities.

Leadership and Administration
• Provide leadership, strategic direction, personnel management, and fiscal oversight for the Offices of Student Affairs and Financial Aid
• Oversee and direct student services, student records and student activities.
• Oversee the Office of Financial Aid ensuring compliance with regulations, institutional polices and accreditation standards as well as provide strategic leadership to ensure equitable, transparent, and student-centered financial aid processes that support retention and student success.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review student affairs policies and procedures that promote consistency, compliance, and student-centered decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with LCME accreditation standards and lead continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes related to student affairs functions.
• Partner with the Office of Medical Education to align student affairs with broader educational programs, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a member of the Promotions and Performance Standards Committee as a student advocate in student progress, promotion, and disciplinary matters.
• Represent the School of Medicine in university committees and external organizations as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Education.

Education Requirements: • An advanced degree (MD, PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in a relevant field is required; an MD is strongly preferred. Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree, with an MD strongly preferred, and significant leadership experience in academic administration, ideally within a medical school setting. They will demonstrate a strong track record of developing and leading student-centered programs that support student success, wellbeing, professionalism, and career development across the continuum of medical education.

This individual will be skilled in managing complex operations, policies, and budgets, and will effectively partner with faculty, student support services, and senior leadership in a community-based educational environment. A working knowledge of LCME accreditation standards, student affairs best practices, and continuous quality improvement is essential. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, service-driven leader who communicates with clarity and empathy, navigates sensitive issues with sound judgment, and models integrity, inclusivity and transparency. They will bring a learner-centered mindset and a genuine commitment to fostering a supportive, equitable, and inclusive learning environment