Dr. David Tolentino has been named the third dean of Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, the University announced on Wednesday. Tolentino has served as interim dean since July 1.
He was chosen after a competitive national search conducted by Campbell University in partnership with Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search. Tolentino emerged from the process as the candidate of first choice, earning the nod for “his demonstrated leadership in growing clinical education programs, developing new affiliate partnerships and contributing to medical training across the region” since joining the school as associate dean for clinical affairs in 2016, according to Campbell President Dr. William M. Downs.
“Given CUSOM’s importance to Campbell’s overall mission, it was essential that our faculty, staff and students have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the selection process, to hear from candidates with diverse backgrounds and to ultimately share feedback on alternate visions of the School’s future,” Downs said. “Dr. Tolentino enjoys broad support across campus, and he has demonstrated the appropriate level of dedication we need to ensure world-class medical education at Campbell. I am grateful to the search committee and to everyone who contributed to this successful outcome.”
Before coming to Campbell, Tolentino served as executive assistant dean for clinical education at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Earlier in his career, he practiced internal medicine in Ohio for over a decade, bringing extensive clinical insight and professional integrity to his work in academic medicine.
Tolentino is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2002 and completed his internal medicine residency at St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Ohio. He remains osteopathically board-certified in that specialty.
After serving in the role as interim dean for the past nine months, Tolentino said he is “deeply honored and excited” for the opportunity to serve as permanent dean.
“Ten years ago, Campbell University welcomed me into the community, and it has been a humbling privilege to help our medical school grow during that time and now lead it as dean,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners as we continue working to improve the health of rural and underserved communities across North Carolina.”
He touted the impact of Campbell’s medical school and its alumni who now serve in 47 of the state’s 100 counties.
“We will continue building on that strong foundation in fulfilling our mission,” he said. “We also remain committed to strengthening and expanding our relationships with healthcare partners throughout the region, as these partnerships are essential to the success of our clinical education programs and to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians.”
Tolentino is the School of Osteopathic Medicine’s third dean since its founding in 2013. Dr. John Kauffman Jr. served in the role from 2011 until 2019, and he was succeeded by Dr. Brian Kessler from 2021 to 2025. Dr. James Powers (2019-2021) and Tolentino (2025-2026) have both served as interim deans.
His time as interim dean was an “invaluable experience,” Tolentino said, because it provided him an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with University leadership and his fellow academic deans.
“Many of those relationships have grown into mentorships and lasting friendships,” he said. “During this period of transition, I have also been proud to help provide stability for our faculty, staff and students, while continuing to develop and refine the leadership skills necessary to serve effectively in this role.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Michael Adams said Tolentino has earned the “deep trust and respect” of Campbell’s administration, faculty, students and staff during his decade in Buies Creek.
“His integrity and unwavering commitment to the mission of Campbell University have been clear since his first day on faculty,” Adams said. “I am confident that under Dr. Tolentino’s leadership, CUSOM will continue to excel and prepare graduates to serve as excellent physicians that represent Campbell University across the state, southeast and nation. We are fortunate to have such a remarkable leader as Dr. Tolentino stepping into this role.”
During his career, Tolentino has received recognition as a fellow from the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Physicians. He serves on the board of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the North Carolina Physician Advisory Group. He is past chair of the board of directors for the North Carolina Professionals Health Program and currently serves on that group’s finance committee. He is also a former chair of the Southern Regional AHEC (where he still sits on the board), past president of the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association, a former member of the NC-ACP Governor’s Advisory Council and a past member of the Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators steering committee.
In 2013, Campbell’s medical school became North Carolina’s first osteopathic medical school and the first new medical school in the state in 40 years. In 2025, it ranked among the best in the nation for “Medical Schools With the Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas,” according to U.S. News & World Report rankings of top medical schools.