KU Medical Center names interim dean of School of Health Professions

The University of Kansas Medical Center has named an administrator with research specialties in aging and rehabilitation — and an eye for improving health across the state — to lead the School of Health Professions on an interim basis.

Jacob Sosnoff, Ph.D., is the School of Health Professions’ associate dean of research and a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Training. His appointment as interim dean is effective Aug. 31.

Sosnoff is excited to lead a school that’s uniquely poised to impact people’s health. He noted that upwards of two-thirds of the healthcare workforce is trained in careers represented in the School of Health Professions. He’s equally passionate about the school’s research in rehabilitation, respiratory care, nutrition, clinical laboratory sciences and more.

“What makes our work especially meaningful is that it doesn't stay in the laboratory or classroom,” Sosnoff said. “It translates into better care, stronger communities and healthier lives across Kansas and beyond. At a time when many communities are facing healthcare workforce shortages, our school plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of professionals who will provide care, advance discovery and improve health outcomes across the state.”

Since joining KU Medical Center in 2021, Sosnoff has played a key role in advancing the school's research enterprise and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, said KU Medical Center Executive Vice Chancellor Steve Stites, M.D.

“His commitment to academic excellence, research innovation and student success positions the School of Health Professions well for continued growth and achievement during this transition,” Stites said.

Stites has appointed a committee to begin a national search for a permanent dean. The search committee is led by Sean Kumer, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for clinical affairs and the McConnell Family Endowed Professor of Surgery and Medicine at KU Medical Center, and Jean Giddens, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of KU School of Nursing.

Abiodun Akinwuntan, Ph.D., MPH, MBA, MIH, dean of the School of Health Professions for the past 10 years, has been named provost and executive vice president for academic, research and clinical affairs at Kansas City University.

Akinwuntan leaves KU School of Health Professions on an upward trajectory. He oversaw the creation of eight new programs and three transdisciplinary combined degree tracks. Five of the school’s programs are ranked in the top 30 of public institutions nationwide. Enrollment has increased for 11 consecutive years. External research grants and outside philanthropy to the school also grew significantly.

Sosnoff aims to build on the momentum by fostering an environment where talented people can do their best work.

“Throughout my career, I've been motivated by a simple belief: Our work should improve people's lives,” he said. “Whether through education, research, mentorship or leadership, I've always been committed to creating opportunities for others to succeed and to ensuring that our efforts have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”

Sosnoff is internationally recognized for his scholarship in aging, rehabilitation and fall prevention. Throughout his career, he has advanced faculty success, expanded academic and research programs, supported workforce development initiatives and contributed to institutional strategy at leading research universities.

Sosnoff earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from Ithaca College and master’s and doctoral degrees in kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University. Before coming to KU Medical Center, he served in a variety of faculty and leadership roles at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, including professor of kinesiology and community health and associate director for the Center for Health Aging and Disability.