Dr. James Record to step down as dean of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Dr. James Record has announced his intention to step down as dean of Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and return to a faculty role within the Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences. He will continue serving as dean until a permanent successor is named. The Provost's Office will launch a national search in the coming weeks.

"I am incredibly grateful for Jim's leadership, his deep commitment to our students, and his community-focused mindset," said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. "When Jim shared his desire to return to a faculty role, I was fully supportive, though quickly shared how much I will miss him as a strategic thought partner. Throughout his tenure, he has been an exceptional leader, committed to advancing our health sciences enterprise. I'm thankful that he will continue contributing his expertise, and I look forward to our ongoing collaboration."

Record joined the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in 2021 as vice dean for Graduate Medical Education, Continuing Medical Education, and Partnerships, while also serving as a clinical professor in the Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences. He stepped into the role of interim dean in 2022 and was appointed permanently in 2023.

As dean, Record oversaw the college's successful application for continued full accreditation, guided a comprehensive curriculum review, led the development of the college's strategic plan, and was instrumental in the creation of WSU Health. He championed the creation of a pathway enabling alumni to transition directly into community faculty roles after completing their training-an initiative that has already added 17 new educators to support the next generation of Coug physicians. Record also oversaw the development of the college's sponsored pediatrics residency; the continued expansion of the Internal Medicine Residency in Everett at Providence Regional Medical Center; the Family Medicine Residency at Pullman Regional Hospital; and the launch of a new critical care medicine fellowship.

"It has been an indescribable honor to serve both WSU and the communities of Washington," said Record. "Community-based healthcare is a critical need here and across the country. The opportunity to help our amazing team build a college rooted in service to our most deserving and under-resourced communities has been the most meaningful work of my professional life. Our community partners are incredibly collaborative, and the partnerships we have created are changing lives in Washington and beyond. I am committed to Coug Nation and excited to continue to partner with Provost Riley-Tillman and the health sciences leadership team as we shape the future of medical education and clinical care at WSU. I am proud to remain a Coug and excited to continue teaching the next generation of Coug doctors."

Before joining WSU, Record served as provost and chief academic officer at Ross University School of Medicine and as dean of the Chicago Medical School. He earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in biochemistry and sociology from Bowdoin College, an MD from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and completed his residency in general internal medicine at Brown University School of Medicine-Rhode Island Hospital. He also holds a JD from Rutgers University School of Law.

Additional information about the search for Record's successor will be shared in the coming weeks.