Several faculty members at Marian University’s Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine have recently earned significant professional milestones, reflecting their commitment to teaching, scholarship, service, and student success.
Among those recognized is Dr. Sarah Zahl, who has been promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in recognition of her longstanding contributions to Marian University and MU-WCOM.
Since joining Marian in 2013, Zahl has played a key leadership role as Associate Dean of Assessment and Accreditation, helping secure the college’s seven-year accreditation status and advancing data-informed improvements that strengthened student outcomes and board performance. She has also contributed extensively in the classroom across both osteopathic medicine and biomedical science programs and has built a strong record of educational scholarship and national leadership within osteopathic medical education.
Dr. Megan Balle recently completed her third-year review, an important milestone recognizing her impact as an educator and scholar since joining MU-WCOM in 2023 as Assistant Professor of Anatomy.
Balle has earned praise for her teaching and curriculum development, including the creation of the Ultrasound Enrichment Program, which has become a valued educational experience for students. In addition to mentoring osteopathic medical students in research, she continues to build a growing body of scholarship in medical education while contributing through committee leadership and institutional initiatives.
The university also recognized Dr. Erin McClelland, who was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure following approval by Marian University’s Board of Trustees.
McClelland has led much of MU-WCOM’s Immunology curriculum and introduced educational innovations that students consistently cite as valuable learning tools. Her work extends beyond the classroom through an active research agenda, student mentorship, grant activity, and leadership roles both within Marian and throughout the broader scientific community.
Collectively, these accomplishments highlight Marian University’s continued investment in faculty whose work advances student learning, academic innovation, and the future of healthcare education.