UMMC vice chancellor Dr. LouAnn Woodward to retire June 30, 2027
Dr. LouAnn Woodward plans to step down as vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center effective June 30, 2027.
SuperTalk Mississippi reported that Woodward wrote in an email to faculty, staff and students that she had informed the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees of her decision.
Woodward, 62, has worked at UMMC for more than 40 years. She graduated from UMMC in 1991, completed her residency there in 1995 and served in roles including professor, associate residency program director, medical director, residency program director, assistant dean, dean and associate vice chancellor for health affairs. In March 2015 she became the first woman selected as vice chancellor for health affairs at UMMC.
The email, reported by SuperTalk Mississippi, said University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce recommended Dr. Alan Jones to succeed Woodward and that the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved the recommendation. Jones has served as associate chancellor for health affairs since June 2024 and previously served as vice chancellor for clinical affairs.
SuperTalk Mississippi quoted Boyce praising Woodward’s leadership and quoted Woodward saying she supports Jones’ appointment and that “UMMC’s future is bright, and it will be in excellent hands with Dr. Jones at the helm.”
The report credited Woodward with UMMC projects and responses including an expansion of Children’s of Mississippi, the planned construction of a new cancer center in Jackson and UMMC’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a cyberattack earlier this year, which officials said the medical center handled without paying a ransom. SuperTalk Mississippi said UMMC expects to break ground on a $250 million Cancer Center and Research Institute building as part of efforts to pursue National Cancer Institute designation.
UMMC, the state’s only academic medical center, also operates seven hospitals, 35 clinics and more than 200 telehealth sites statewide, SuperTalk Mississippi reported.
Source: SuperTalk Mississippi
