Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Athens Campus Dean Beth Longenecker, DO, to step down

Beth Longenecker, D.O., dean of the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Athens Campus, has announced that she will be leaving Ohio University in May.

Longenecker has been selected to serve as founding dean of a new college of osteopathic medicine at University of Northern Colorado. 

Serving as dean of the Heritage College’s Athens campus since 2019, Longenecker has made community outreach a priority, facilitating the expansion of the college’s community health services to meet local needs during the pandemic. In addition, she oversaw the opening of the college’s student-run free clinic and spearheaded a partnership with Buckeye Healthcare that resulted in a $750,000 grant to expand the community nurse navigator programs.

“The relationships that Beth has helped to foster between health entities across southeast Ohio will continue to serve Ohio University, the Heritage College, our students and communities throughout the region for many years to come,” Chief Medical Affairs Officer and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Executive Dean Ken Johnson, D.O., F.A.A.O., said.

“As an alumna, it has been incredibly gratifying to return to the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with our incredible students, faculty and staff,” Longenecker said. “I am proud of all we have accomplished together serving our students and the people of southeast Ohio.”

Tracy Shaub, D.O., has been named as the interim dean for the Athens campus, effective May 15.

Shaub is a beloved family physician and dedicated medical educator with nearly 27 years of service to the Heritage College. Over the past decade, she has provided sound leadership as chair of the Heritage College’s Department of Primary Care while serving an instrumental role in the opening of the college’s Cleveland campus.

“Tracy Shaub is a proud Heritage College graduate and physician mentor who embodies the college’s mission of compassionate care,” Johnson said. “I have every confidence that her extensive service has positioned her for impactful leadership on the Athens campus.”