Joel Bonnaud
Joel Bonnaud, who has more than a decade of experience working with students, has been selected to serve as an admissions recruiting specialist and counselor for Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Bonnaud, a native of Southern France who most recently lived in Williamsburg, Virginia, holds certifications in Academic and Career Advising from NACADA, a global organization that promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students.
Bonnaud earned his master’s degree in business management from Audencia Graduate School of Management in Nantes, France. As part of the USA Women’s Rugby High-Performance Pathway, he formerly served as scout for the whole pathway and head coach for the U20s, identifying and evaluating hundreds of prospective student-athletes annually across the country, while leading the U20 squad to success on the international stage. Prior to that, he served as the women’s head coach and scout for the USA South Panthers, head coach for the Ohio State Women’s Rugby Club, and was founder and head coach of TRY Rugby LLC in New Albany, Ohio. He holds World Rugby Level 3 coaching certification.
“Joel brings a unique perspective and range of experiences to this position, and we are very happy to welcome him to the team,” IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine Founding Dean Miko Rose said. “He is fully committed to IUP’s mission of addressing the rural health care crisis, and to identifying potential students who have the talent, drive, and passion to become the next generation of physicians in our commonwealth’s rural communities,” she said.
“I am particularly excited about IUP’s mission to expand access to medical education and serve rural and underserved communities, supporting the development of a program that prepares future physicians to make a meaningful impact,” Bonnaud said.
“Growing up in a rural community, with a father-in-law as a rural physician, IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine’s mission fully resonates with my roots and the challenges I have witnessed firsthand,” he said.
Prior to his work as a coach and recruiter, he was a financial advisor in New York City with AXA Equitable and was a product manager with Hilti in Paris.
Bonnaud will work closely with Jamie Murphy, director of Admissions and Student Affairs for the IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine.
IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine holds pre-accreditation status from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and is actively recruiting and admitting students to its College of Osteopathic Medicine to begin medical instruction within the approved osteopathic medical curriculum. The first class of students is anticipated to enter in fall 2027.
IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine has as its mission to serve rural communities, affordability, and clinical opportunities throughout all four years of medical education at IUP. IUP currently has 290 percent of the required clinical training affiliation agreement spots, all at rural healthcare providers, that are required for accreditation.
There are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, all at private universities; IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is the only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.