Dr. Brian Kessler Named Next Dean of Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

Brian Kessler, DO, FACOFP will be the next dean of Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM), provost and vice president for academic affairs Mark Hammond, PhD, announced Friday, March 12. He has spent the last five years as the vice president, dean and chief academic officer for Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM). Before joining LMU-DCOM, he was previously the associate dean of clinical affairs at CUSOM.

“It’s as if I never left,” he said. “It’s very similar to when you grow up, move away and return to your childhood home—the houses in your neighborhood might look different, and the shrubbery and landscaping might not be the same, but there’s still that warmth and familiarity. I may have left Campbell in body, but never in mind and spirit.”

Dr. Kessler was instrumental in launching Campbell University’s osteopathic medical school in 2013 and guiding it through its first three years. As associate dean of clinical affairs, he helped develop the curriculum and mission stewardship at CUSOM.

“I want to thank Campbell for welcoming us back with open arms,” Dr. Kessler said. “My family is very appreciative of the opportunity Lincoln Memorial provided us over the last several years and for helping me develop into the person I am today. I just hope I live up to the expectations at Campbell.”

Dr. Kessler’s experience—along with his familiarity with CUSOM and its mission and his overall personality and leadership qualities—made him the perfect choice to lead Campbell’s med school into its second decade, according to Dr. Hammond.

“He’s left his indelible fingerprints all over our medical school’s policies, its culture and even its connections with hospitals in our region,” Dr. Hammond said. “He is someone who understands Campbell’s mission and exemplifies it.”

Read the full press release from CUSOM.