USC School of Medicine Greenville names new dean

Listen to this article

Medical researcher and academic health leader Marjorie Jenkins has been named the new dean of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.

Jenkins previously served as director of medical initiatives and scientific engagement at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health.

Jenkins, who will also take on the role of chief academic officer for Prisma Health-Upstate, will begin her new position on Aug. 1.

Jenkins joined the FDA by an invited interprofessional agreement with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She served as a tenured professor of medicine, associate dean for women in health and science, and director and chief scientific officer for the Laura Bush Institute for Women’s Health. She was also the founding executive director for the institute.

“Dr. Jenkins’ leadership experience in multiple arenas of health care make her an ideal choice to lead the School of Medicine Greenville and build on our already strong collaboration with Prisma Health–Upstate,” Brendan Kelly, USC interim president-elect, said in a news release.

Jenkins completed a master’s degree in education in the health professions from Johns Hopkins University and holds a doctorate in medicine from East Tennessee State University.

“From the age of five, growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, I wanted to be a doctor,” Jenkins said in the release. “From the time I received my medical degree from East Tennessee State University, I have strived to make an impact on health care delivery.”

Jerry Youkey, dean since the Greenville school was established in 2012, is retiring in September.