Sofka to lead faculty, student affairs at WVU Health Sciences

Sarah Sofka, M.D., who has served as director of faculty affairs and academic initiatives for WVU Health Sciences, will assume the role of assistant vice president of faculty and student academic initiatives effective July 1. The development of the combined faculty and student role follows the transition of Lena Maynor, PharmD, former director of student affairs, to assistant dean for student success in the School of Pharmacy.

“Dr. Sofka is an enthusiastic, visionary and insightful leader who has been a positive addition to the Health Sciences administrative team,” Louise Veselicky, D.D.S., associate vice president for academic affairs at WVU Health Sciences, said. “Her educationally focused outlook, evidence-based delivery of patient care, and appreciation and support of the faculty, students and staff here at our Health Sciences Center are exemplary. She will serve well in this expanded role. I appreciate Dr. Maynor’s analytical skills and attention to detail and know she will serve the School of Pharmacy well.”

As a member of the academic administration team, Dr. Sofka will support Health Sciences academic missions through development of special projects, service on committees and participate in other activities related to faculty and students. In addition, she will foster and promote academic excellence across all learning environments, including classrooms, clinics and labs; effectively and efficiently utilize resources to develop innovative programs that support the University’s land-grant mission; foster an environment that rewards teaching, clinical care and scholarly work; and nurture relationships with faculty and students and the organizations that they serve.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve WVU and the state of West Virginia in this new role as we continue to elevate healthcare education, research and service at WVU Health Sciences,” Sofka said.

As she begins her new role, at .5 FTE, Sofka will continue to serve as professor and vice chair of education in the School of Medicine Department of Medicine. She will transition out of her role as director of the Internal Medicine Residency program, a position she has held for seven years. Sofka joined the faculty at the School of Medicine in 2011. She completed her Medical Degree and internal medicine residency at WVU, also serving as chief resident. In addition, she has earned Fellowship in the American College of Physicians and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

A native of Wheeling, Sofka resides in Morgantown with her husband, Patrick, and son, Andrew.