MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) Board of Trustees swore in Dr. Joseph Zacharias as its newest member during Monday’s meeting.
Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine, Dr. Zacharias is a Hospitalist, holding the roles of Medical Director of Hospital Medicine and Vice President of Medical Staff at the Memorial Health System. In addition, he has been a clinical professor at Marietta College for its physician assistant program and has served as a volunteer physician at the Washington County Free Clinic.
“Memorial Health System is among our community’s largest employers and is one of Washington State’s strongest partners. Our collaboration includes experiential learning for our students, advisory board members who contribute to curriculum decisions, facility sharing, and partnering in a federal grant to support students, and more,” said WSCO President Dr. Vicky Wood. “It’s an honor to have Dr. Zacharias join us and I’m excited to have a trustee position filled by a representative from the hospital.”
The WSCO board previously had trustees from the hospital including Dr. Bradley Carman (2015-2021) and Ms. Bernita Watson (2018-2021).
Dr. Zacharias graduated from Kasturba Medical College in Mangaluru, Karnataka India, and did his internal medicine residency at the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has lived and worked in the Marietta community for 12 years. He and his wife, Erin Zacharias, have four children, Noah, Luke Gabriella, and Isabel.
“I am deeply honored and excited for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees at Washington State College of Ohio. This institution’s dedication to academic excellence and community engagement aligns with my values, and I look forward to working with the board to advance its mission,” said Zacharias. “Together, we will continue to champion educational growth and foster a bright future for our students and the community we serve.”
The WSCO Board of Trustees is comprised of electors who reside in Washington or Morgan counties. The current board includes David Vandenberg, chair; Tyler Wilcox, vice chair; Jodey L. Altier; Bernie Anderson; Randy Barengo; Cinda Erickson; LeeAnn Johnson; and Susan Vessels.
Dr. Zacharias’ term on the board will run through February 2029.
