Linton and Cottrell receive School of Medicine Alumni Association honorary membership

John C. Linton, Ph.D., and Scott Cottrell, Ed.D., were both awarded honorary membership to the West Virginia University School of Medicine Alumni Association during the annual meeting that coincided with WVU’s Homecoming Weekend in October.

Honorary membership in the WVU School of Medicine is a non-voting membership that is reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding service to the Association or the School.

Linton brought exactly 50 years of service to the WVU School of Medicine, starting as an assistant professor and serving in numerous leadership roles, including acting department chair of Behavioral Medicine.

When he retired, he was also serving as associate vice president for WVU Health Sciences and dean of the School of Medicine’s Charleston Campus that boasts approximately 75 medical students, 120 faculty and a large alumni network.

Linton was one of the faculty members that helped establish the University’s Charleston campus as a teaching and clinical center.

Cottrell is the associate dean for Student Services and Curriculum in the M.D. program, a role he’s served in since 2011. In addition, he’s a professor in the Department of Medical Education with research interests in curricular development and assessment.

He’s an expert on the subject, authoring papers, presenting at national conferences and serving in leadership roles for several national organizations. In addition, he served as lead faculty for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visits that earned the School a full eight-year accreditation cycle.

“This honor is reserved for those who go above and beyond in service the School of Medicine. Drs. Linton and Cottrell have demonstrated that commitment to enriching the student learning experience and ensuring that our future as a School is as strong as ever,” said Norman Ferrari, M.D., chief academic officer and vice dean for Education and Academic Affiars.

To gain honorary membership, the Association’s executive council nominates a potential honorary member, then the active membership votes to bestow the honor during the annual meeting.

For more information about the School of Medicine Alumni Association, visit medicine.wvu.edu/alumni.