Virginia Business has selected Dr. Jenna Rolfs ʼ20 DMSc, dean of the University of Lynchburg School of Medicine and Health Sciences, as an inaugural Forty Under 40 recipient. This recognition highlights young professionals across Virginia who demonstrate exceptional leadership, career achievements, and a strong commitment to service.
Virginia Business’ Forty Under 40 honorees were selected based on their professional impact, community engagement, and leadership potential.
“The 2025 Forty Under 40 honorees are high-achieving young professionals who give back to the community in exceptional ways,” Richard Foster, associate publisher of Virginia Business said.
“They have demonstrated significant career success but also know that making a difference in the lives of others is essential.They are the next generation of leaders in the commonwealth, and Virginia Business is pleased to recognize their accomplishments.”
As a dedicated leader in medical education and health care advocacy, with a career spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, and medical education, Rolfs has championed innovative learning models, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional advocacy for PAs and other health care providers.
Rolfs leads the University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she has been instrumental in expanding academic programs, fostering industry partnerships, and enhancing professional development opportunities for students in a variety of health care fields.
Under her direction, Lynchburg’s flourishing Doctor of Medical Science and Master of PA Medicine programs are preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in health care, education, and policy as highly trained physician associates.
Additionally, Rolfs spearheaded the creation of Lynchburg’s new Doctor of Executive Leadership program, which aims to improve the quality of leadership and administration across the health care industry.
Dr. Jeremy Welsh, vice president for academics and strategic operations and chief academic officer at the University of Lynchburg, praised Rolfs’ achievement.
“Dr. Rolfs is an exceptional leader who has significantly advanced PA education and professional advocacy,” Welsh said. “Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to the field have strengthened both our academic programs and the broader PA community.
“She is a trusted colleague and a driving force in shaping the future of health care.”
Beyond her role in academia, Rolfs currently serves as president of the Virginia Association of PAs, or VAPA, where she is deeply involved in legislative efforts to expand PA practice rights and improve access to care across the state.
The same dedication to professional advocacy is deeply woven into the Lynchburg PA program, where all students are required to become VAPA members, fostering an early commitment to legislative engagement and professional development.
Rolfs and her fellow honorees will be recognized at the Forty Under 40 Celebration on Monday, May 12, at The Westin Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia.
