Jennifer Hunt has been named the next dean of the Geisel School of Medicine, according to an April 2 announcement by Dartmouth College. 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 will be the first woman to lead Dartmouth’s medical school in its 229-year history. Her selection comes after a search process co-chaired by faculty members Charles Barlowe and Barbara Jobst and assisted by executive search firm Isaacson, Miller.
Provost Santiago Schnell said, “Jennifer Hunt is an exceptional physician-leader with deep experience in academic medicine and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and translational research, as well as to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.” Schnell added that Hunt is well positioned to advance Geisel’s mission and sustain its emphasis on service, patient care excellence, and research-driven innovation.
Hunt expressed enthusiasm about joining Dartmouth: “It is an honor and a privilege to be joining the vibrant Dartmouth community,” she 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 Sian Leah Beilock said that Hunt brings valuable experience that will help shape world-class physicians while advancing Dartmouth’s impact in rural health care both regionally and nationally. Joanne Conroy ’77, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health—which maintains a close partnership with Geisel—said she was confident that under Hunt’s leadership their relationship would expand further.
Hunt holds academic credentials from Bryn Mawr College (chemistry and French), an MD and MEd from the University of Pennsylvania along with residency training in anatomic pathology and fellowship in molecular genetic pathology. She has published over 160 peer-reviewed papers; served on boards for national pathology organizations; chaired departments at major universities; overseen large hospital staffs; trained as an executive coach; led initiatives in leadership development; worked previously at institutions including Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital.
Geisel was founded in 1797 as one of America’s oldest medical schools. It is known for graduating physicians who serve underserved areas—a distinction placing it among the top ten percent nationally—and jointly operates several major clinical institutes such as the National Cancer Institute-designated Dartmouth Cancer Center.
