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SIU Medicine launches national search for next dean, provost and CEO

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Southern Illinois University Medicine has launched a national search for its next dean, provost and CEO. The search will be conducted in partnership with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm specializing in academic medicine and higher education leadership.

Isaacson, Miller was selected after a competitive process for its depth of experience placing health care leaders, strong record with comparable roles and high-touch, tailored approach to executive recruitment.

The search committee is co-chaired by Rikeesha Phelon, associate provost for strategy at SIU School of Medicine, and Nick Wortman, associate vice chancellor for human resources at SIU Carbondale. The committee represents a broad cross-section of academic, clinical and administrative leadership and will work closely with Isaacson, Miller to lead the process.

Search committee members

  • Janet Albers, MD – Chair, Family Medicine
  • Beau Batton, MD – Chief, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Randy Burnside, PhD – Executive Director, MEDPREP
  • Doug Carlson, MD – Chair, Pediatrics
  • Traves Crabtree, MD – Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Judy Davie, PhD – Chair, Basic Science
  • Lou Graham, MD – Associate Professor, Clinical Neurology
  • John Horvat – Associate Provost, Finance and Administration
  • Deb Klamen, MD – Senior Associate Dean, Education and Curriculum
  • Rikeesha Phelon – Associate Provost, Strategy (Co-Chair)
  • Vidhya Prakash, MD – Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs
  • Will Robinson, MD – Chief, Vascular Surgery
  • Lucy Stafford – Vice Chair, SIU Medicine Healthcare Board
  • Don Torry, PhD – Associate Dean, Research
  • Wendi El-Amin, MD – Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Nick Wortman – Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources (Co-Chair)
  • Emily Fahey – Fourth-year medical student

Chancellor Austin Lane emphasized the importance of this recruitment. “The dean, provost and CEO of SIU Medicine plays a vital role in shaping the future of our academic health enterprise and its service to the people of Illinois,” Lane said. “With Isaacson, Miller’s expertise and our strong committee leadership, I am confident this search will attract exceptional candidates who share our commitment to innovation, diversity and community-focused health care.”

The search begins immediately. Inquiries, nominations and applications, including a CV and cover letter, should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website.

Updates will be shared with the University and SIU Medicine communities as the process advances.

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