Jefferson College of Health Sciences Names Interim President

The Jefferson College of Health Sciences Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop to serve as interim president, following the retirement of President Carol Seavor in April, 2010. Bishop, a Carilion Clinic vice president, is also a member of the JCHS board.

”This is an exciting time for the College, with health care playing a lead role among the issues of the day, and a new medical school coming into the region, NL has the knowledge, background and skills necessary to help us take full advantage of the opportunities available to us, our faculty and students,” said Steve Musselwhite, JCHS Board chairman.

“NL has always been a strong advocate for the College, and he truly appreciates the vital role it plays in our community,” said JCHS President, Dr. Carol Seavor. “His many years of experience in health care administration and his skill as a facilitator will serve the college well during this interim period.”

Bishop currently serves as a Carilion Clinic vice president, and is an assistant professor with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, opening in the fall of 2010.  He holds an undergraduate degree from Radford University, a master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech and a doctorate degree in ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.  In addition to his position on the JCHS Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College and is a member Emeritus of the Board of Visitors of the Divinity School of Duke University. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Taubman Museum of Western Virginia and in 2008 was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to the SW Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission. Bishop is a past president and current treasurer of the Montgomery County – Radford City – Floyd County Branch NAACP.  He and his wife, Sylvia, reside in Christiansburg where they are members of Asbury United Methodist Church. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

“I am humbled and excited by this honor,” Bishop said. “I have a deep appreciation for the College, its history and heritage. We will play a vital role in our region’s health care in the coming years, and I look forward to working in collaboration with an outstanding staff, faculty and student body.”

Bishop’s interim term will extend up to three years. Bishop will retain his title of Carilion Clinic vice president, though some of his responsibilities will be temporarily transferred to other administrators to allow him to focus his attention on the administration and needs of the College.