CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gary O. Rankin, Ph.D., vice dean for basic sciences, professor and chair of biomedical sciences at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, was one of 10 individuals named to the WV Executive magazine 2025 Health Care Hall of Fame.  

Rankin joined Marshall University in 1978 as an assistant professor in pharmacology, coinciding with the founding of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. During the past four decades, he has taught every class of medical students since the school’s inception, shaping the education of more than 2,200 future physicians and scientists. 

“Critical thinking lies at the heart of great health care, and for nearly 50 years, Dr. Rankin has instilled this skill in countless medical students and aspiring scientists through his leadership in basic sciences and biomedical research,” David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), Marshall University vice president for health affairs and dean of the medical school. “His dedication has touched many lives and built a lasting foundation for biomedical research in West Virginia, benefiting the state and its residents for generations to come.” 

Rankin has held numerous leadership roles within the school, including two decades as chair of pharmacology, associate dean for biomedical graduate education and research development, and vice dean for basic sciences. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping both the school’s educational programs and its research initiatives, making lasting contributions to West Virginia’s health care landscape.  

As vice dean, Rankin oversees 44 faculty members responsible for foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology—critical subjects that equip medical students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed for clinical decision-making. 

Rankin’s research contributions have significantly advanced the fields of toxicology and pharmacology, particularly in areas such as nephrotoxicity, methadone, and halogenated aniline exposure. His work has earned millions in research funding, resulted in more than 190 publications, and led to his appointment as an associate editor of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Throughout his career, he has mentored 75 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. In 2019, the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Division for Toxicology honored him with its Career Award, recognizing his mentorship, leadership in toxicology, and significant scholarly contributions. 

In addition, Rankin serves as principal investigator for the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), a program that has secured more than $92 million in funding to expand biomedical research in West Virginia. WV-INBRE fosters collaboration between Marshall University, West Virginia University, and smaller colleges, supporting research in cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and addiction. The program also offers a nine-week summer research opportunity to prepare students for careers in health care and biomedical sciences. Through partnerships with community initiatives like the Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA), WV-INBRE also works to engage minority and disadvantaged high school students in biomedical research, helping build a more robust health care workforce in the state. 

Dr. Gary Rankin and the other 2025 inductees were recognized Feb. 25 during an event at the University of Charleston.  

Date Posted: Wednesday, February 26, 2025