College of Medicine Dean's Office

Jeffrey S. La Rochelle, M.D., MPH
Dean, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
(251) 341-3030, CSAB 170
jeffrey.larochelle@southalabama.edu  

Dr. Jeffrey S. La Rochelle joined the University of South Alabama in May 2026 as dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. 

He came to South from the University of Central Florida, where he most recently held the position of associate dean of academic affairs and professor of medicine. At UCF, he also served as assistant dean of medical education.

An internal medicine specialist, La Rochelle is also a retired colonel with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force. He was also an assistant chief of medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. 

“What struck me first was the passion all the faculty, staff and students had for South,” La Rochelle said. “There was a similar camaraderie to what I felt when I was active duty in the Air Force. Everyone at South felt like they were an important part of something bigger, a real sense of family. I am truly humbled and excited to be part of that family striving to achieve even more for our school and community.”

La Rochelle received his medical degree and Master of Public Health from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, after earning undergraduate degrees in microbiology and English from the University of Florida. 

Glenda Rayburn
Executive Assistant to the Dean
(251) 341-3030, CSAB 170
(251) 341-3994 Fax
grayburn@southalabama.edu  

Marcina Lang
Senior Manager, COM Support Services
(251) 460-6041, CSAB 170
(251) 341-3994 Fax
marcinalang@southalabama.edu 

Dean’s Office mailing address:
5795 USA Drive N, CSAB 170
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688