WittKieffer is proud to partner with SUNY Upstate Medical University (SUNY Upstate) in their search for a visionary and strategic dean of its College of Health Professions (CHP).
SUNY Upstate, located in Syracuse, is the only academic medical center in Central New York. It is also the region's largest employer with more than 13,000 employees. SUNY Upstate is anchored by its four colleges—Graduate Studies (biomedical sciences), Health Professions, Medicine, and Nursing. Since 2006, student enrollment has grown by 16.4% as Upstate responds to the needs of the region and its biomedical research enterprise focuses on the most prevalent human diseases. The Upstate University Health System serves 1.8 million people per year.
With seven academic departments and 14 degree programs spanning upper division undergraduate and graduate health disciplines, the CHP offers students a rigorous, hands-on education grounded in clinical practice and community engagement and plays a critical role in advancing the University’s mission to improve community health through education, research, and patient care. Reporting directly to the President, the CHP Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the CHP, overseeing academic programs, budget management, accreditation, faculty development, strategic planning, and external partnerships while fostering diversity, inclusion, and collaborative excellence.
The incoming Dean is charged with shaping a bold, forward-looking vision aligned with Upstate’s institutional strategy. This includes championing innovation, enhancing academic distinction, and identifying opportunities to expand enrollment, strengthen revenue, and elevate the College’s national profile. A significant expectation for the new Dean is the continued development of a faculty of distinction. This involves upholding high standards for recruitment, promotion, and professional growth, and ensuring that faculty are supported in teaching, clinical practice, research, and scholarly activity. SUNY Upstate is an R2-designated institution, and the Dean will work to elevate research productivity and secure greater sponsored funding.
Externally, the Dean will strengthen and expand clinical and community partnerships that are essential to student training and workforce development. The Dean will also serve as the principal advocate and ambassador for the College, both within SUNY Upstate and across regional and national arenas, cultivating strong relationships with other academic leaders, professional associations, and philanthropic partners. Growing philanthropic support, enhancing alumni engagement, and increasing the College’s visibility will be essential to sustaining long-term success.
The ideal candidate will bring a terminal degree, a distinguished academic record, deep leadership experience in health professions education, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, collaboration, and inclusive excellence. The role requires a transformational leader—strategic, innovative, communicative, and grounded in integrity—who can inspire faculty, staff, students, and partners while advancing the College’s mission within a dynamic healthcare landscape.
WittKieffer is assisting SUNY Upstate with this search. Applications should include, as separate documents, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Greg Duyck, Claudia Teschky, Michael Anderson, MD, and Alana Penley at [email protected].
SUNY Upstate Medical University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability or other protected classes under State and Federal law.