Kansas City University Hires Dr. Kim Tran as College of Biosciences Dean

Kansas City University appoints Kim Tran, MD, PhD, as dean of the College of Biosciences and vice provost of research. Photo credit: Kansas City University.

Posted February 25, 2026

Kansas City University has selected Dr. Kim Tran as the dean of the College of Biosciences and vice provost of research.

Tran will begin his new dual roles effective immediately. As part of his move from Des Moines University, Tran is relocating his laboratory to KCU and will bring with him several active research projects seeking treatment modalities for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as medications to stabilize irregular heart rhythms, according to a release.

As vice provost of research, Tran will oversee and expand graduate research opportunities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and create opportunities for students to participate in research projects among KCU faculty and partners.

“KCU has tremendous potential to expand its research and graduate programs, engage students in meaningful scientific inquiry and build partnerships that strengthen the university and the broader community,” Tran said in the release.

Before joining KCU, Tran had an over 16-year tenure at Des Moines University as a professor and associate professor. He also served five years as a research instructor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also spent his postdoctoral fellowship.

Last month, Kansas City University welcomed its inaugural class to the Master of Health Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant program at its Joplin campus.