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Posted on June 18, 2026 by Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications

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In recognition of their excellence in scholarship, teaching and service, faculty from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine received approval for promotion and were awarded tenure at the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees meeting on June 5. New academic ranks will be effective Aug. 15. 

Join us in congratulating these faculty members on their well-deserved accomplishments.

Tenure:

• Thiago Bruder, Ph.D. – Physiology and Cell Biology
• Raymond J. Langley, Ph.D. – Pharmacology
• Jeffrey S. La Rochelle, M.D. – Internal Medicine (effective June 5, 2026)
• Chandrani Sarkar, M.D. – Pathology

Promotion to Professor:

• Robert A. Barrington, Ph.D. – Microbiology and Immunology
• Jason Luke Engeriser, Ph.D. – Psychiatry
• Nathaniel L. Jones, M.D. – Mitchell Cancer Institute, Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology; joint appointment in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Christopher E. Keel, D.O. – Urology
• Joe Spencer Liles, M.D. – Surgery
• Christopher M. Malozzi, D.O. – Internal Medicine
• Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D. – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Omar Sanchez Villanueva, M.D. – Pediatrics

Promotion to Associate Professor:

• Thiago Bruder, Ph.D. – Physiology and Cell Biology
• Debanjan Chakroborty, M.D. – Pathology
• Candice P. Holliday, M.D. – Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Rachel L. Hunter, M.D. – Surgery
• Kelechi C. Ikeri, M.D. – Pediatrics
• Whei Ying Lim, M.D. – Pediatrics
• Tyler C. McDonald, M.D. – Orthopaedic Surgery; joint appointment in Pediatrics
• Kelsey C. R. McKee, M.D. – Surgery
• Daniel P. McMahon, M.D. – Surgery
• Caroline M. Molins, M.D. – Emergency Medicine
• Jess H. Mullens, M.D. – Orthopaedic Surgery
• Jenna M. Pfleeger, M.D. – Family Medicine
• Peter C. Rippey, M.D. – Family Medicine; joint appointment in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Chandrani Sarkar, M.D. – Pathology
• William P. Sonnier, M.D. – Internal Medicine
• Kathryn L. Williams, D.O. – Pediatrics

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