Kenneth Heiles, DO, MA 

Campus Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine – Joplin 

Ken Heiles, DO, serves Kansas City University as Joplin campus dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). His primary responsibilities include managing and directing the daily operations of the Joplin medical school campus as well as ensuring students’ well-being and academic success.  

Previously, Dr. Heiles served KCU as associate dean of Graduate Medical Education and professor of Family Medicine. He has a distinguished career as both a practicing physician and leader in the field of osteopathic medicine. He has dedicated himself to treating rural and underserved populations, as well as the education of future osteopathic physicians. Prior to his tenure at KCU, Heiles served as director of Medical Education and Osteopathic Family Medicine Residency director in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Additionally, he served as associate dean of Graduate Medical Education for DeBusk COM at Lincoln Memorial University and founding dean of the Arkansas COM, where he played an instrumental role in guiding the developing school through provisional accreditation. He practiced family medicine in the rural setting of Star City, Arkansas, before entering academics. 

Dr. Heiles earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia COM. A fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, he served as the organization’s national president from 2010-2011. In October 2021, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) elected him to serve as the inaugural chair of the Assembly of Council Leaders, a role in which he acts as the point of contact between the Assembly of Council Leaders and AACOM executive leadership.