Dr. Olen E. Jones accepts the "Olen E. Jones Leadership
Award from West Virginia School of Osteopathic
Medicine student Michael Brackman.

LEWISBURG, W.Va. - The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine has established the “Olen E. Jones Leadership Award” in honor of its current president, who will be leaving the school in January 2009.

According to Meg McKeon, Ed.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs at WVSOM, the award was created at the urging of second-year medical student Michael Brackman, the leader of the school’s Student Government Association, to recognize Dr. Jones for his outstanding contributions to WVSOM and osteopathic medical education.

“The student body wanted to express their appreciation for the vision and leadership Dr. Jones has shown in his 20-plus years as President of our school. The students recognize that due to Dr. Jones’ efforts, WVSOM is one of the best medical schools in the country and has achieved a level of excellence that will benefit our students for years to come,” said Dr. McKeon.

At WVSOM’s annual Spring Awards ceremony on May 7, Brackman announced the establishment of the award, saying: “For more than 20 years, Dr. Olen Jones has given himself unselfishly to WVSOM. He has had the courage to make tough decisions, create positive change, hire and promote the best faculty and staff, and to communicate and build support and acceptance for WVSOM and osteopathic medical education in West Virginia.

“Through his leadership Dr. Jones has transformed WVSOM into one of the best medic al schools in the county, with state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty and staff second to none,” Brackman noted.

Brackman then announced that the WVSOM Student Government Association would present the Olen E. Jones Leadership Award annually beginning in 2009 to a WVSOM student who demonstrates excellence in osteopathic medical education, commitment to service, and the development of the whole person.

Turning to face Dr. Jones, Brackman wrapped up his presentation by saying: “On behalf of the current student body and those who will benefit from your vision and leadership for years to come – thank you.”

WVSOM – an award-winning medical school located in southeastern West Virginia – offers a nationally ranked medical education program with a dose of small town charm. WVSOM offers a legacy of excellence and is recognized worldwide for its efforts in rural, family, and primary care medicine. The college has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report magazine as one of the nation’s best medical schools for ten straight years. Visit WVSOM online at www.wvsom.edu.