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Gerald Alden Faverman, Ph.D., served as the founding dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1975 to 1977, leading the unprecedented effort to establish Ohio’s first osteopathic medical school in less than a year. His leadership ensured the college’s successful launch and lasting mission to serve the state’s medically underserved regions.

A Boston native, Faverman earned a B.S. in history from Boston College in 1957 and an M.S. in history and African American studies from Boston University in 1960. He began his career as a history professor at Delta College in Michigan before joining the Michigan Department of Education and later serving as a consultant for the state’s Legislative Fiscal Agency. In 1971, he became assistant dean of Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he helped organize and establish the young program.

When Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill 229 in 1975 to create an osteopathic medical school at 51����, President Charles Ping and the Ohio Osteopathic Association recruited Faverman to lead it. After completing his Ph.D. in administration and higher education at Michigan State, he arrived in Athens that November and quickly built the framework for the new college. In just months, he developed the curriculum, recruited faculty, formed admissions and scholarship committees and oversaw renovations to Grosvenor Hall to house the incoming class.

Faverman admitted the college’s first 24 students—carefully selecting individuals with a commitment to practicing in Ohio’s rural and Appalachian communities. He also laid the groundwork for what became the Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE), establishing regional teaching centers that provided students with clinical experience and community integration.

Because he was not an osteopathic physician, Faverman’s tenure was limited to two years, but his impact was profound. He left a strong institutional and educational foundation that enabled Heritage College to grow into Ohio’s leading producer of primary care physicians. After his deanship, Faverman served as 51����’s vice provost and professor of political science, later working for the American Osteopathic Association and in public policy consulting. He died in January 2000.

Frank Wayne Myers, D.O., served as the first permanent dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1977 to 1993. A visionary leader in osteopathic medicine, Myers was instrumental in establishing the college’s reputation for clinical excellence, community service and commitment to primary care.

A South Dakota native, Myers grew up in the small town of Hudson, where his father was the community’s only family physician. Inspired by his father’s example, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota and his D.O. from the Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1959. In 1960, he co-founded the Nordonia Hills Clinic in Northfield, Ohio, and later established one of the nation’s first osteopathic family residencies there, earning the Ohio Osteopathic General Practitioner of the Year award in 1973.

A strong advocate for the osteopathic profession, Myers helped champion the legislation that created Heritage College and became its first clinical faculty member. Appointed dean in 1977, he brought stability to the young institution, guiding it through accreditation and the graduation of its first class in 1980. During his tenure, the college expanded its facilities, strengthened clinical partnerships and launched programs such as Summer Scholars to increase diversity in the profession.

A tireless advocate for accessible health care and patient education, Myers hosted Family Health, a radio program produced at Heritage College that grew from 18 to more than 460 stations nationwide. Before stepping down as dean, he helped launch a free immunization program for Appalachian children that led to the development of COMCorps, a cornerstone of the college’s Community Health Programs.

After his deanship, Myers continued to teach and practice medicine in Athens, serving the community through Planned Parenthood and volunteer work. Known for his quiet determination and compassion, he believed deeply that “our greatest resource is our people.” Myers retired as the longest-serving medical school dean in Ohio, leaving a legacy of vision, service and enduring commitment to osteopathic medicine. He died in November 2018 at age 85.

Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., made history in 1993 when she became dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine—the first Black woman to lead a medical school in the United States. Her eight-year tenure transformed the college and elevated its national reputation as a leader in primary care, innovation and community-based medical education.

Born in Detroit in 1942, Ross-Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and her D.O. from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was the only Black woman in her class. She began her career as a teacher before entering family practice in Detroit. Her early involvement in health policy—including her selection as the first D.O. to receive the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowship—established her as a national voice in health equity and medical education reform.

At Heritage College, Ross-Lee expanded clinical training opportunities statewide through the creation of the Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE), connecting hospitals and physicians across Ohio. By 1998, the American Medical Student Association Foundation ranked the college number one in the nation for training family medicine physicians. She also launched the Center for Appalachian and Rural Health Research, expanded outreach through the Mobile Health Unit, modernized the curriculum with active learning and technology, and established new departments in Biomedical Science, Social Medicine and Pediatrics.

Ross-Lee’s vision of a seamless, community-centered approach to medical education laid the groundwork for the college’s current statewide campus model. After her tenure, she became vice president for Health Sciences and Medical Affairs and dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. A fellow of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, she has served on numerous federal advisory committees and was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

A trailblazer and national leader, Ross-Lee’s influence continues to shape the Heritage College, the osteopathic profession and the broader landscape of medical education.

Daniel Jon Marazon, D.O., served as interim dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2001, guiding the college with optimism and unity. Known for his motivating mantra, “Do your best today,” Marazon inspired students, faculty and staff to focus on excellence in the present and to work collectively for the good of the college.

Appointed by Provost Sharon Brehm, Ph.D., after extensive faculty input, Marazon strengthened morale and fellowship across the college while maintaining its national prominence in primary care education. During his tenure, the American Medical Student Association Foundation ranked the college No. 2 in the nation for the percentage of graduates entering family medicine residencies.

Marazon joined Heritage College in 1977 as an assistant professor of family medicine, rising quickly to associate professor and taking on leadership roles including director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Doctors Hospital in Columbus and chief of staff at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital. A Vietnam-era Navy veteran, he earned his D.O. from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1971 and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Toledo.

A dedicated physician and educator, Marazon led annual medical outreach trips to Kenya through SHARE Kenya, leaving a global legacy through the Daniel Marazon Wing of the Ahero clinic. He was named Family Physician of the Year in 2002 by the Ohio State Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Heritage College in 2006.

Beyond medicine, Marazon was beloved for his mentorship and community spirit. An avid supporter of youth athletics, he was inducted into the 51���� Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008. The Daniel J. Marazon, D.O. Scholarship for OHIO Hockey players honors his lifelong commitment to students, service and teamwork. Marazon died on March 13, 2012, at age 67, remembered for his compassion, leadership and unwavering dedication to others.

John “Jack” Adolph Brose, D.O., served as the fifth dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine from 2001 to 2012, guiding the college through one of its most transformative eras. A devoted advocate for osteopathic medicine, Brose’s leadership was driven by his deep affection for the Heritage College and his commitment to advancing its mission.

During his tenure, Brose led the college’s largest expansion. In 2011, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation announced a historic $105 million gift—the largest ever to an Ohio higher education institution at the time. Brose used the gift to launch “Vision 2020: Leading the Transformation of Primary Care in Ohio,” a strategic plan that spurred new campuses in Dublin and Cleveland, expanded partnerships with OhioHealth and the Cleveland Clinic and led to the college’s renaming as the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He strengthened the college’s research and clinical infrastructure, overseeing construction of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and Charles R. and Marilyn Y. Stuckey Academic & Research Center, the Life Sciences Research Facility and the Heritage Clinical Training and Assessment Center & Community Clinic. Under his leadership, the Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE) network doubled from 12 to 24 partner hospitals.

A family physician by training, Brose founded the Heritage Community Clinic in 2005 to improve care access for underserved populations in southeastern Ohio. Despite the demands of his role, he continued to treat patients and received 26 Outstanding Instructor Awards. His student-first legacy endures through the Brose Award and the John A. Brose, D.O., Primary Care Endowed Scholarship—the college’s largest individual student award.

Brose earned his B.A. in biology from Gettysburg College and his D.O. from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. He joined Heritage College in 1982 and rose to professor, holding numerous leadership roles before becoming dean. Among his many honors were Ohio Educator of the Year by the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians in 2001, the Distinguished Service Award from the Ohio Osteopathic Association in 2012, the 2013 Phillips Medal and the 2017 OU-HCOM Honorary Alumnus Award. After his deanship, Brose served as 51����’s first Vice Provost for Health Affairs and continues to consult for new medical schools nationwide.

Kenneth H. Johnson, D.O., is a nationally recognized physician, educator and leader in osteopathic and primary care medical education. Since 2012, he has served as executive dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, guiding the college through a period of major growth and transformation.

Under his leadership, the Heritage College has expanded its statewide presence with the opening of new campuses in Dublin in 2014 and Cleveland in 2015, in partnership with OhioHealth and Cleveland Clinic. Johnson also led the launch of the innovative Pathways to Health and Wellness Curriculum in 2018 and the Transformative Care Continuum, a partnership with Cleveland Clinic designed to reshape how future physicians are trained for an evolving health care system.

In addition to his role as executive dean, Johnson was appointed 51����’s Chief Medical Affairs Officer in 2018. Nationally, he has been an influential voice in osteopathic medical education, serving as chair of the Ohio Council of Medical School Deans, chair of the Assembly of Presidents for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, and vice chair of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education Development. He previously chaired the AOA’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and was a member of the AOA/AACOM Blue Ribbon Commission that authored the landmark report Building the Future: Educating the 21st Century Physician.

Before joining the Heritage College, Johnson was vice dean and associate dean for educational programs at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he also served as associate professor of family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. A 1992 graduate of UNECOM, he is board-certified in family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine and completed his residency there, serving as chief resident.

Johnson has been honored for his leadership and service with numerous awards, including Maine Osteopathic Physician of the Year (2006), the Roswell P. Bates Award for Public Service (2008) and the Thomas L. Northrup Lectureship (2009). His career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing osteopathic medical education and preparing the next generation of physicians to meet the health needs of their communities.

Tracy Shaub, D.O., is a distinguished physician, educator and leader who serves as dean of the Athens campus at the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is also a professor in the Department of Primary Care and medical director for Community Health Programs.

A first-generation college student from Warren, Ohio, Shaub began her academic career in nursing before earning her bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from the University of Akron and her D.O. from the Heritage College in 1992. After completing her internship at Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital and her family medicine residency at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens, she joined the Heritage College faculty, contributing to the university’s geriatric practice.

Board-certified in family medicine, geriatrics and hospice/palliative care, Shaub has served as medical director for multiple nursing homes in southeastern Ohio and for ACVNA Hospice for 20 years. She has published more than 20 articles, secured more than $2 million in grants and scholarships and has been recognized with the “Courage to Teach” Humanitarianism Award from The Ohio State University and the Medal of Merit from the Heritage College Alumni Association. Her global health work includes leading medical missions to Kenya, South Africa, Ecuador and Moldova.

Shaub became chair of the Department of Family Medicine in 2012, guiding its transition into the Department of Primary Care. She later helped launch the Heritage College’s Cleveland campus in 2014 while practicing with the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Palliative Care. Returning to Athens in 2022, she was appointed permanent campus dean that November. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to compassionate care, education and service.

Isaac Kirstein, D.O., is dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland campus, which opened in 2015. An osteopathic internist, he focuses on aligning medical education innovation with the needs of health systems and community care while advancing the college’s mission to train physicians who serve Ohio communities with an emphasis on primary care.

Before joining 51����, Kirstein served as vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Franciscan St. James Health in suburban Chicago. He lives in Pepper Pike, Ohio, with his wife, Rebecca, and their two sons.

William J. Burke, D.O., FACOFP dist., is dean of the 51���� Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin campus. A respected physician and educator, he has been active in graduate and undergraduate medical education for more than 30 years. He previously served as vice president of medical education and program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital and is an associate professor of family medicine with tenure at the Heritage College.

Burke earned his B.A. in history from Capital University and his D.O. from 51���� in 1988. Board-certified in osteopathic family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, he has held leadership roles across the profession, including chair of the Osteopathic International Alliance, trustee of the American Osteopathic Association and founding director of the International Primary Care Educational Alliance, which supports the development of family physicians in China.

An engaged community leader, Burke has served on numerous central Ohio boards, including Syntero, the Dublin City Schools Business Advisory Council, Visit Dublin and the Dublin Community Foundation.