NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences has appointed Jacob C. Warren as the new director of its Center for Rural Health. Warren previously served as dean and tenured professor at the College of Health Sciences, University of Wyoming in Laramie.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next director of the Center for Rural Health,” Warren stated. “CRH is known throughout the country for its decades of cutting-edge work in advancing the health of rural communities in North Dakota and across the U.S. I myself have relied upon the expertise and resources of CRH throughout my career, and I look forward to working with the stellar staff and faculty of CRH, as well as partners throughout North Dakota, to continue its mission of strengthening the health of people in rural and tribal communities.”

Warren brings 20 years of leadership experience and has secured over $28.5 million in funding focused on rural health from various sources including the National Institutes of Health, state agencies, and private foundations. His background includes roles as a rural health researcher and academic administrator.

Before his tenure in Wyoming, Warren spent a decade at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia, where he held multiple positions advocating for rural health. He was also involved with Georgia Southern University as a founding co-executive director for their Rural Health Research Institute.

Warren earned his doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He began his role at CRH on December 16 under a hybrid schedule until his relocation to Grand Forks scheduled for February.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Warren to the University of North Dakota and the Center for Rural Health,” expressed Dr. Marjorie Jenkins, dean of UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences and vice president for Health Affairs. “Dr. Warren’s exceptional track record in rural health research and leadership will undoubtedly strengthen the CRH’s mission to address the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in rural communities. His vision and expertise will be instrumental in building on the center’s legacy and driving innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for North Dakota and beyond.”

As director, Warren will oversee one of America’s most experienced rural health organizations. Since 1980, CRH has developed programs supporting researchers, educators, policymakers, healthcare providers, and rural residents alike. It serves as North Dakota's State Office of Rural Health—a federal-state partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare services through collaborations statewide. The center employs 72 individuals with an annual budget near $10 million while managing six national programs focusing on areas such as Native American health.