Shannon Jimenez to Lead ARCOM as Dean

Dr. Shannon Jimenez

Dr. Shannon Jimenez has been named dean of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, effective June 1.

The college, part of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education of Fort Smith, announced the appointment on Friday. Jimenez will succeed Dr. Rance McClain, who will become senior vice president of medical education for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine of Bethesda, Maryland.

“Dr. Jimenez brings years of medical education experience, and I am thrilled to have her lead ARCOM as it continues to serve this region as a leading educator of healthcare professionals,” Kyle D. Parker, ACHE’s president and CEO, said in a news release.

Jimenez is currently the ARCOM’s senior associate dean. In her previous positions, she inaugural chair of clinical medicine and interim dean at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, Texas, and regional assistant dean and assistant professor of family medicine at Campbell University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, North Carolina.

“I am honored and excited to lead ARCOM as it continues to serve the region as a leading educator of osteopathic medical students,” Jimenez said. 

ACHE cited Jimenez’s expertise in rural workforce issues and experience in growing a medical practice from conception. She received her medical training in family medicine in Michigan and spent 20 years practicing in rural North Carolina before moving to Texas.

Before becoming dean in 2019, McClain was associate dean of clinical sciences at the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

ARCOM will graduate its third class this year. It graduated about 150 students in 2021 and again in 2022.

It is part of the ACHE, a private, nonprofit institution that also offers programs in biomedicine, public health, physical therapy and occupational therapy.