Kim Tran, MD, PhD

Dean of the College of Biosciences and Vice Provost of Research

Kim Tran, MD, PhD, serves as dean of the College of Biosciences and vice provost of Research at Kansas City University, where he leads strategy, faculty support and institutional growth across the research enterprise. His career spans clinical practice, research program development and translational research leadership.

Prior to joining KCU, Tran spent 16 years at Des Moines University advancing research and academic programs as a scientist and administrator. There, he built a standalone PhD program in biomedical sciences from the ground up and helped establish one of the few dual DO/PhD programs in the United States, guiding the programs from development and accreditation through student recruitment and graduation.

Tran trained as a cardiologist, completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology and earned a PhD in cardiovascular science. His laboratory has been funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and he has served as associate editor for several scientific journals while publishing extensively. At KCU, Tran is focused on expanding graduate research opportunities, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and creating new opportunities for students at all levels to engage in research with KCU faculty and external partners.