Dr. Christopher Loyke Named Dean of Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) President Clayton Hess, PhD, MEd has announced the appointment of Christopher Loyke, DO, FACOFP, (pictured left) as dean and chief academic officer of LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), effective in May. Brian A. Kessler, DO, FACOFP, (pictured below) current dean, will be leaving to return home to be with his family in North Carolina and begin his newest role at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) in Buies Creek, NC.

In his new role as dean and chief academic officer of LMU-DCOM, Dr. Loyke will lead operations at the institution’s two sites in Harrogate and Knoxville, TN. In that capacity, he also will serve on Hess’ President’s Cabinet. A member of the LMU-DCOM faculty since 2018, Loyke currently oversees LMU-DCOM’s clinical education as the associate dean of clinical affairs and associate professor of family medicine.

“My two greatest passions, professionally, are service and teaching,” Loyke said. “To be associated with an institution whose mission emphasizes caring for the most vulnerable in our community and to have a hand in educating future osteopathic physicians is a dream come true. Moving forward, LMU-DCOM will continue to recruit, expand and emphasize our mission by producing the best physicians who are focused on service to humanity.”

Loyke received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) in Athens, OH. Loyke currently serves as Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps. He is a member of various professional and scholarly organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association. His honors and awards include OU-HCOM’s outstanding family preceptor awards and being named one of Cleveland’s “Best Doctors” as ranked by his peers for five consecutive years.

“I am truly excited for Dr. Loyke and LMU-DCOM. It is with great honor I welcome a long-time friend, confidant and colleague as the newest dean at LMU-DCOM,” Kessler said. “I know in my heart he is the right person for LMU, and it is crucial now more than ever for him to guide LMU-DCOM into the future. The students, faculty and staff will enthusiastically embrace his leadership, and I will always cherish the opportunity to have worked closely with Dr. Loyke.”

Kessler, LMU-DCOM’s second dean, has served LMU since 2015 and was instrumental in expanding LMU-DCOM to a second site in Knoxville, TN, as well as developing the Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs that will welcome their inaugural classes in May.