Stanford names new executive director for Vaden Health Center

James Jacobs, a medical doctor with experience in student health services, has been named the new associate vice provost for student affairs and executive director of Vaden Health Center. He will assume the position on March 7.

Most recently, Jacobs has been the medical director and acting executive director for the Engemann Student Health Center at the University of Southern California (USC). He also has had a joint appointment as associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

“I am pleased that Jim will be leading Vaden Health Center. He has been the director for several major university health care programs, and he understands deeply the principles and best practices of college health,” said Greg Boardman, Stanford’s vice provost for student affairs.

Jacobs is board-certified in emergency medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. His clinical interests include wound care, management of psychotropic medications and men’s health. His academic interests include biosecurity and intelligence analysis.

Although Jacobs has been an administrator and director of a large staff of medical care providers, he continues to see patients almost every day

He said he believes that student health and well-being is an integral part of the student experience.

“I am thrilled to join the Stanford community,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues at Vaden Health Center, Student Affairs, the School of Medicine and across the university. Most especially, I look forward to engaging with Stanford students.”

Before USC, Jacobs was director of student health services at Ohio State University and, before then, Syracuse University.

Jacobs has an MD degree from Duke University and a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Jacobs will replace Dr. Ira Friedman,  who wraps up his tenure as director of Vaden this quarter after 22 years.