Pierce Appointed Faculty Councilor for AΩA Alabama Beta Chapter
Posted on November 4, 2026
Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology and division director of cancer control and prevention at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, has been appointed faculty councilor for the Alabama Beta Chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Honor Medical Society at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.
“Dr. Pierce brings exceptional clinical leadership, scholarship, and a deep dedication to student mentorship to this vital role,” said Jeffrey La Rochelle, M.D., dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine. “As chapter councilor, she will oversee chapter governance, foster student and resident engagement, and uphold AΩA’s core pillars of academic distinction, leadership, humanism and service."
Pierce also serves as program director for the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship and as an Abraham A. Mitchell Clinical Research Scholar. She looks forward to expanding chapter activities and supporting the professional development of future physician-leaders.
“Alpha Omega Alpha is rooted in the belief that in medicine, we improve care for all by recognizing educational achievement, honoring gifted teaching, encouraging leadership, and supporting humanism,” Pierce said. “I am honored to serve our students, residents, and faculty in this capacity and look forward to building on the chapter’s strong foundation.”
Pierce succeeds Jon D. Simmons, M.D., professor and chief of trauma, acute care surgery, and burns, who served as chapter councilor for a decade. During his time as councilor, he guided numerous medical students, residents, faculty members and alumni through the chapter selection process and national honor society induction.
“On behalf of the entire Whiddon College of Medicine, I extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Jon Simmons for his 10 years of dedicated service,” La Rochelle said. “Throughout his tenure, Dr. Simmons ensured our chapter maintained the highest standards of integrity, equity and excellence.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Simmons managed the 2026–2027 student election cycles and will continue working closely with chapter leadership.
Alongside the appointment, the Whiddon College of Medicine is transitioning administrative and operational support for the chapter to the Office of Health Advancement, under the leadership of Senior Associate Dean Franklin Trimm, M.D., and Executive Director LoRen Modisa, Ed.D.
With OHA assuming responsibility for selection logistics and operational oversight, chapter leadership can devote greater attention to member engagement, professional development and humanism initiatives, while making greater use of educational resources available through the national organization.
Founded in 1902, Alpha Omega Alpha is the national medical honor society dedicated to recognizing educational achievement, honoring gifted teaching, encouraging leadership, promoting humanism and supporting service to others. Its motto is "Be Worthy to Serve the Suffering.”
