Jim and Fran McGlothlin visit with VCU School of Medicine students who have been named McGlothlin Scholars. This year, 32 McGlothlin Scholars are among the hundreds of medical students studying in the McGlothlin Medical Education Center. Photo: Jud Froelich, VCU Development and Alumni Relations
A Champion for Health Sciences Education, Research and Care
The MCV Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University and the entire state of Virginia this week lost an admired friend and champion for good — Jim McGlothlin.
McGlothlin joined the MCV Foundation board in 1998 and served until 2010. He was then, and remained throughout his life, an advocate for improving the lives of others. The support of transformative education, cutting-edge research and advanced patient care on the MCV Campus at VCU that he and his wife, Fran, have provided over the years has strengthened our community in enumerable ways — and that impact will continue for many years beyond his passing.
This year, 32 McGlothlin Scholars are among the hundreds of medical students studying in the McGlothlin Medical Education Center (MMEC). The 12-story, 200,000-square-foot MMEC, which the McGlothlins made possible in 2011 through their philanthropy, enabled the most significant renovation to the school’s curriculum in more than 30 years.
Their gift to establish the McGlothlin Scholarship was the largest privately funded scholarship gift in the school’s history. Watch the video below to meet some of the recipients.
The McGlothlins also have established endowed chairs at the school supporting research and patient care. Stephen Kates, M.D., holds the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Chair in Orthopaedics, and David Limbrick, M.D., Ph.D., holds the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Chair in the Department of Neurosurgery.
The McGlothlins' philanthropy was initially inspired by their interactions decades ago with renowned neurosurgery leader Harry Young, M.D. Over the years, their bond deepened through personal connection, professional admiration and a shared commitment to advancing health care.
Their generosity to the VCU School of Medicine is part of a much broader legacy. Throughout Virginia, the McGlothlins have enriched communities by supporting the arts and education through institutions such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, William & Mary and the Mountain Mission School in Grundy.
The MCV Foundation today mourns a titan who leveraged his resources and time to make the world a better place for his neighbors and his community. We thank Mr. McGlothlin for how he spent his time with us, and for his generosity.
