People
LouAnn Woodward, first woman to lead UMMC, to retire in 2027
LouAnn Woodward, MD, the first woman to lead the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, will retire June 30, 2027, according to her weekly column to faculty, staff and students, as reported by Becker's Hospital Review.
By The Desk - Jordan Leahy·October 17, 2026
Woodward has served as vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the UMMC School of Medicine since 2015 and has spent more than 40 years at the institution. She extended her contract in 2023 through June 30, 2027.
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approved Alan Jones, MD, UMMC's second-in-command, as her successor, effective July 1, 2027.
Leadership Context
- Org
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, part of The University of Mississippi Medical Center (6 hospitals)
- GPO
- Vizient · Childrens Hospital Association
- Medicare
- Novitas Solutions Inc (MAC)
- Status
- 340B Disproportionate Share Hospital · 92 beds
Buying bench
- David ElkinExecutive Director
- Pia Chatterjee KirkDean of the School of Dentistry
- Dodie T. McElmurrayChief Executive Officer, University and Community Hospitals
- Kristy SimmsExecutive Director of External Affairs