MUSC names seasoned leader to guide its academic enterprise

The Medical University of South Carolina has named John V. Marymont, M.D., its next executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, effective Dec. 1. In this role, Marymont will serve as MUSC's chief academic officer and lead strategic efforts to advance the University's mission in education and research across its six colleges.

A respected academic medical leader and orthopedic surgeon, Marymont brings more than two decades of executive experience in higher education, academic medicine and faculty development.

 

Marymont most recently served as vice president for Medical Affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama (USA). Under his leadership, USA Health underwent significant expansion, transforming it into a thriving academic health system. He led critical initiatives, including the strategic acquisition of Providence Hospital, the development of a new $200 million medical education and research facility and the successful launch of interdisciplinary academic programs focused on health care leadership and innovation. During his tenure, USA Health grew from 3,000 to more than 7,000 employees, while net patient service revenue increased from $360 million to $1.3 billion.

Marymont actively enhances the academic mission as a dedicated educator and strategic leader by driving transformative leadership, fostering a collaborative culture and embracing bold innovation. He has received national recognition for his academic excellence and his contributions to driving organizational growth, with a focus on mentorship, operational excellence and making a positive impact in the community. His ability to build high-performing teams and nurture academic-clinical integration has earned him widespread respect across the health sciences.

"Dr. Marymont brings a rare combination of clinical insight, academic leadership and strategic vision that makes him uniquely suited to lead MUSC's academic enterprise into its next chapter," said Terry E. Steyer, M.D., vice president for Medical Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine, who chaired the national search committee. "Throughout the national search, his deep understanding of academic medicine, his proven track record of building collaborative teams and his unwavering commitment to education, research and innovation set him apart. I am confident that his leadership will elevate our mission and amplify our impact across the state and beyond."

 

Marymont earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University after graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and advanced fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic and New England Baptist Hospital. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a certificate in medical and healthcare management from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, where he was honored as a Jones Scholar. He is a faculty inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. His service to academic medicine extends nationally through his role as Council of Deans liaison to the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Business Affairs and as a board member for the Jones Graduate School of Business Healthcare Advisory Board.

"I am honored to join MUSC at this exciting time," said Marymont. "This University is defined by its deep sense of purpose, commitment to service and innovative spirit. I look forward to working alongside the talented students, faculty, staff and leaders who make this institution a national model in academic medicine and health sciences education. Together, we will continue elevating South Carolina's workforce by delivering a world-class education and research environment that attracts and empowers exceptional students, staff, faculty and scientists, preparing the next generation of health care professionals and researchers to advance cutting-edge discoveries and improve lives across the communities we serve."

Marymont's appointment reflects MUSC's continued commitment to excellence across its academic enterprise. As the University's chief academic officer, he will lead with a forward-thinking vision that strengthens MUSC's role as a bold, compassionate and innovative trailblazer in education and research.

 

During this transition, Suzanne Thomas, Ph.D., will serve as interim executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. Thomas is a tenured professor with appointments in the colleges of Medicine and Health Professions and currently serves as associate provost for Educational Planning and Effectiveness. An experimental psychologist by training, she began her career at MUSC in the Department of Psychiatry, where she researched treatments for alcoholism. She moved into University leadership 12 years ago and has played a critical role in strengthening the University's approach to data-informed academic planning, institutional effectiveness and continuous quality improvement. Her longstanding commitment to MUSC's education and research missions, collaborative leadership style and deep institutional knowledge make her exceptionally well-qualified to lead the academic enterprise during this interim period.