President

Rocky Vista University (RVU), one of the premier osteopathic medicine and health science universities in the nation, invites applications and nominations for its next President.

The for-profit university is part of Medforth Global Healthcare Education, which is owned by The Carlyle Group. RVU maintains academic autonomy and has their own independent academic board; Medforth provides financial, administrative and support services to RVU. Medforth Global Healthcare Education is a mission-driven organization dedicated to solving one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: the growing shortage of physicians and healthcare professionals. The Carlyle Group is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise, deploying private capital across a diverse portfolio. They are the majority owner of Medforth.

After having served as President since 2021, Dr. David Forstein has announced his retirement in June 2026. Korn Ferry is conducting the search to identify RVU s next President who will continue to grow and scale excellence across RVU, Medforth and Carlye s shared vision, mission and values. This is an incredible opportunity for a distinguished academician and entrepreneurial, business savvy leader to take RVU to even greater heights.

The incoming President will articulate and execute the strategic direction of the organization, working closely with Medforth to elevate the brand, promote and advance the journey of academic excellence, and energize RVU s workforce and leadership to achieve goals. Ideally, the new President will be familiar with, have experience and deep appreciation for a private equity business model in osteopathic medical education and healthcare delivery

Rocky Vista University is seeking a business savvy, clinical science leader who will advance the institution's academic mission and strategic goals. The President should be a decisive, skilled communicator, a collaborative leader, and a champion for innovation. They should also possess an understanding of the complex accreditation and regulatory environment of healthcare and medical education.

• An earned doctoral level terminal degree. A DO is preferred; however, MDs with extensive experience in healthcare and medical education/academics are welcome to apply. In addition, RVU welcomes candidates with MBA, MHA, MPH, and related degrees.


• A distinguished academic background that includes a history of achievement in education, scholarship, service, and administration with an emphasis on progressive administrative experience in higher education in academic health centers. Scholarship should be sufficient to qualify for appointment at the academic rank of Professor