Jennifer Hunt has been named the next dean of the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College announced on Apr. 2. Hunt, who is currently serving as interim dean at the University of Florida College of Medicine, will begin her new role on Aug. 1.
Hunt’s appointment marks a historic milestone for Geisel, as she becomes the first woman to lead Dartmouth’s medical school in its 229-year history. The announcement was made by Provost Santiago Schnell and President Sian Leah Beilock.
“Jennifer Hunt is an exceptional physician-leader with deep experience in academic medicine and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and translational research,” Schnell said. “She is well positioned to advance Geisel’s mission and to sustain the school’s longstanding emphasis on service to our region, excellence in patient care, and research-driven innovation.”
Hunt has published over 160 peer-reviewed papers and holds leadership roles in several professional organizations including the Association for Molecular Pathology and the Florida Society of Pathologists. She previously chaired the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine at UF Health Shands Hospital.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be joining the vibrant Dartmouth community,” Hunt said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the Geisel School of Medicine’s faculty, staff, students, and trainees and collaborating with them to build upon the school’s rich history of innovation and excellence.”
President Beilock said that Hunt will help advance Dartmouth’s impact on improving rural health care locally as well as nationally: “Jennifer Hunt has the experience and skills to help Geisel shape world-class physicians and health scientists who will also be leaders in their communities.”
Geisel was founded in 1797 as one of America’s oldest medical schools. It ranks among U.S. medical schools with high numbers of graduates practicing in underserved areas. The school operates joint programs such as Dartmouth Cancer Center with Dartmouth Health—a partnership highlighted by Joanne Conroy ’77, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health—who said she expects this relationship “will not just continue but expand.”
Hunt earned her MD from University of Pennsylvania after studying chemistry at Bryn Mawr College; she also holds certification from International Coach Federation for executive coaching.
The search committee included faculty members from across disciplines at Dartmouth along with representatives from its health partners.
