Dates set for College of Medicine leadership transition

Last month, Central Michigan University College of Medicine Dean Dr. George Kikano shared his plans to step away from his leadership role with CMU President Neil MacKinnon, Provost Paula Lancaster, and the Board of Trustees.

This week, Dr. Kikano and President MacKinnon provided an update on the college's leadership transition plan. Effective immediately, Dr. Kikano will step down from his position as executive vice president for health affairs at the university and from his role as dean on May 15, following the College of Medicine’s Spring commencement ceremony. 

“It was 10 years ago this month that I joined Central Michigan University. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Dr. Kikano said in a letter to students, faculty and staff in the College of Medicine. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your dedication, support and hard work over the years. Our collective efforts have made a significant impact, and I am confident that the College of Medicine will continue to thrive because of your unwavering commitment."

Over the course of the next several weeks, Dr. Kikano said he will work with Tina Thompson, Ph.D., who will serve as interim dean of the College of Medicine beginning May 16, to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Thompson, who brings more than 30 years of medical education experience to the role, has significant expertise in medical school accreditation and assessment and has provided oversight of CMU’s undergraduate medical education program (UME) since 2017.

MacKinnon said CMU will immediately begin a national search for the next dean of the College of Medicine.