Position Description
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine (SOM) seeks an innovative, collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the Offices of Medical Student Education. This position reports directly to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs provides leadership for all student affairs matters including career-advising, academic assistance, student progress, financial aid, registration, and academic events. The Assistant Dean will work closely with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the other Assistant Dean for Students Affairs, and the Senior Director for Student Affairs to provide optimal support, services, and resources for medical students across all phases of the medical school curriculum. This individual will also work collaboratively with the entire Offices of Medical Student Education at UNC-Chapel Hill, educational leaders, and team members at regional campuses. This position will be supported by OMSE at 0.6 FTE.
Dr. Kenan Penaskovic, who currently serves as an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, has accepted the position of Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky, effective July 1,2026. We will miss his valuable contributions and wish him nothing but success in his new role.
Major Responsibilities:
The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs will be responsible for assisting with the development and organization of an office that fosters a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in the Offices of Medical Student Education.
The Assistant Dean will be responsible for the following areas:
1) Career advising / advisory colleges / residency match
2) Academic assistance / Office of Academic Excellence
3) Student progress and promotions / Student Progress Committee (SPC)
4) Learning environment
5) Academic events (e.g., orientation, Match Day, commencement)
6) Financial aid
7) Health and safety
4) Registrar services and student records / visiting students
Qualifications:
- An MD or DO degree, and a faculty appointment in one of the Departments in the UNC SOM
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience, including leadership experience, in student affairs
- Effective communication and organizational skills, including excellent public speaking skills
- A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, and work with them to identify and solve problems
- Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act deliberately in sensitive situations, strong conflict management skills
- Demonstrated commitment to advance a supportive work and learning culture where all individuals can thrive
- Demonstrated ability to lead and to develop professional staff teams
Consideration of internal candidates will begin immediately. Interested applicants should submit a Cover Letter, CV, and Chair/Chief letter of support no later than, March 20th, 2026 to both Kathleen Barnhouse MD, Chair of the Search Committee ( kathleen_barnhouse@med.unc.edu) and Jayne Ashby, Recruiting Consultant ( jayne_ashby@med.unc.edu ).