President/Dean

Isaacson, Miller; Colton, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 600,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

California University of Science and Medicine in Colton, California, invites nominations and applications for the combined role of President and Dean, a strategic executive leadership position guiding both the university and its medical school. The role emphasizes health equity, innovative medical education, and strengthening regional partnerships.

The successful candidate will report to the Board of Trustees, set strategic direction, ensure academic, clinical, and research excellence, and

Job description

California University of Science and Medicine | Colton, California

The California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) invites nominations and applications for the combined position of President and Dean (President/Dean). This distinctive leadership role presents an exciting opportunity to guide one of the nation’s most promising and rapidly emerging health sciences universities, deeply committed to advancing health equity, redefining medical education through innovation, and preparing physician leaders to serve medically underserved communities.

The California University of Science and Medicine is a private, mission-driven institution grounded in a deep, unwavering commitment to training physicians who are responsive to the needs of underserved communities. Founded in 2015, CUSM was established to address critical physician shortages and improve health outcomes across all medically underserved communities. The School of Medicine is located in San Bernardino County and benefits from close partnerships with regional health systems, community organizations, and academic collaborators, while maintaining a clear and independent vision for its future trajectory.

CUSM stands at an important inflection point in its trajectory. Since its founding, the University has established a strong, stable foundation, including the successful launch of its Doctor of Medicine program, full institutional and programmatic accreditation, and consistent student success reflected in a 100% residency match rate. These accomplishments reflect disciplined leadership and a clear focus on establishing a high-quality medical education program in a region with significant need, while positioning CUSM among a select and rapidly emerging group of newer medical schools that have achieved early academic and operational distinction at an accelerated pace. Building on this strong foundation, CUSM is entering a defining next phase of development focused on strategic growth, expanded programmatic offerings, broader clinical and academic partnerships, and increasing institutional visibility and impact.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees , the President/Dean serves as the University’s chief executive and academic leader, responsible for advancing CUSM’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring excellence across its academic, clinical, and research enterprises. As the principal ambassador for the University, the President/Dean works closely with the Board, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to strengthen CUSM’s reputation, expand its impact, and build broad support for its continued growth and success, including securing and stewarding the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand its mission.

This role combines the responsibilities of a university president and a medical school dean. The President/Dean must operate effectively across both domains by supporting academic programs, faculty, and institutional effectiveness internally, while also serving as the principal ambassador for the University externally. With a strong academic and operational foundation in place, the President/Dean will be well positioned to focus on broader strategic priorities, including advancing institutional growth through new partnerships, programmatic expansion, and diversified funding streams. This will require considerable external engagement and the continued development of CUSM as a comprehensive health sciences enterprise. In carrying out this work, the incoming leader will address the following key opportunities and challenges:

Define and lead CUSM’s next phase of institutional growth

Expand and integrate the academic, clinical, and research enterprise

Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships

Partner with the Board to align vision, growth, pace, and execution

Sustain academic excellence and student success

Elevate institutional visibility while advancing organizational excellence

The target salary range for this position is $600,000-$700,000, which represents a combination of compensation packages for both the President and Dean roles respectively. Final offers will be negotiated, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Located in the City of Colton in the heart of Southern California, CUSM offers the advantages of a modern medical school within one of the nation's most dynamic and diverse regions. The campus is conveniently situated within easy driving distance of Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, Big Bear, Joshua Tree National Park, and Southern California's renowned beaches, providing an exceptional quality of life with year‑round outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and international connectivity through multiple nearby airports.

The Inland Empire is one of California's fastest‑growing regions and presents one of the nation's greatest opportunities to improve healthcare access, expand the physician workforce, and reduce health disparities. For leaders passionate about innovation, health equity, and transformational growth, CUSM offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of medical education while enjoying the lifestyle and professional advantages of Southern California.

Jay Torio is leading this search with Evan Layne, Katheryne Martínez, and Maria Peña

CUSM is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs and employment. CUSM does not discriminate with regard to age, ancestry, disability, gender, sex, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status and provides equal treatment and access to all CUSM programs, activities, and application for employment.