Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Tara K. Cunningham, EdD, MS, to the position of Associate Dean for Student Life at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, beginning May 15, 2024. Dr. Cunningham's extensive background and unwavering commitment to student well-being make her an invaluable addition to our team. At the heart of Dr. Cunningham's vision is the cultivation of a vibrant and inclusive campus culture, one that places utmost importance on student success and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. She joins the Geisel School of Medicine faculty as an Associate Professor of Medical Education and course director for Leadership and Professional Development. With her leadership, we are poised to embark on a transformative journey of holistic student support that will shape the student experience at Geisel.
In her role as Associate Dean for Student Life, Dr. Cunningham will play a pivotal role in elevating student experiences and well-being within the Geisel School of Medicine. Drawing upon her experience and expertise, Dr. Cunningham will implement a proactive framework for student support, leveraging innovative programming and resources to foster a culture of belonging and success. Through collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, and student leaders, she will spearhead initiatives to amplify student engagement, enrich professional/career development programming, and bolster mental health support services. Dr. Cunningham will champion the seamless integration of wellness and resilience initiatives into the fabric of student life, promoting strategies for self-care and academic achievement. With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and student-centeredness, she will lead by example, empowering students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Drawing from her career in student affairs, admissions, and medical education, and currently serving as Vice Chair for the national Group on Student Affairs Executive Committee (AAMC Affinity Group). Dr. Cunningham brings a wealth of expertise and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her recent role as Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai underscored her transformative leadership and dedication to student well-being, fostering trust and collaboration even amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Prior experiences at institutions such as Texas Christian University Anne Burnett School of Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix have further solidified her passion for cultivating inclusive learning environments and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. With nearly 25 years of administrative experience and a proven track record of enhancing student satisfaction and compliance with accreditation standards, Dr. Cunningham is uniquely positioned to elevate the student experience at Geisel School of Medicine.
Dr. Cunningham holds a Doctorate of Education in Higher and Post-secondary Education from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Administration with a focus on Leadership from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washburn University.
As our new Associate Dean for Student Life, Dr. Cunningham's expertise, compassion, and commitment to inclusivity will undoubtedly enhance our student support services and foster a thriving campus community. I am confident that her leadership will inspire us to continue prioritizing the well-being and success of all our students.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Tara K. Cunningham as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with us. Together, let us embrace her vision and enthusiasm as we work towards enhancing student life at the Geisel School of Medicine.
Dr. Cunningham will join us in her new role effective May 15, 2024, and we look forward to introducing her to our welcoming community!
Sincerely,
Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD FIDSA
Dean of Educational Affairs
Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine