The Leaders at MWU

Last week was very hectic yet exciting at MWU. As at every school and in everyone's life, there is always a flurry of activity at year's end, with parties, vacations, and gift exchanges. Last week was especially busy at MWU because we hosted our Board of Trustees for their annual December meeting at our Downers Grove Campus. It is truly my privilege to be able to work with our Trustees in my role at the University. We have 16 Board members who are selected for their special expertise in various business functions as well as their financial oversight for the University. As the governing body of the University, the Board approves the strategic direction and new program development that contribute to the fulfillment of our mission. Their membership includes several business executives and bankers, several academics, four physicians (three of whom are alumni), a judge, and a hospital CEO. Two Board members are celebrating 30 years with the University this year. Many of them have seen the University grow from a single medical school to now a two-campus university with multiple health care disciplines. What most impresses me about the Board is their commitment to the University's mission: "dedication to the highest standards of academic excellence and meeting the educational needs of society." Every decision they make is driven by their desire to uphold this important mission and to serve the best interests of the society as well as MWU's students, faculty, and staff. They are all volunteers who have impressive credentials, and they are all deeply committed to serving the University. I'm proud to know them.

Following the Board meeting, we held our annual Holiday Reception. The event featured several songs by the MWU Choir, which is a group of faculty and staff directed by Kathy Dooley, who is an accomplished singer and actor and the director of our Media Resources Department. Our President, Dr. Goeppinger, then recognized several administrators who were recently promoted: Dr. Dennis Paulson, VP and CAO for Medical and Dental Education; Dr. Mary Lee, VP and CAO for Pharmacy and Health Science Education; Dr. John Burdick, Dean of Basic Science and VP for Clinic Operations; Angela Marty, VP for HR and Administration; Dr. Nancy Fjortoft, Dean of CCP; Dr. Jackie Smith, Dean of CHS; and Dr. Ken Suarez, Associate VP for Research and Sponsored Programs. All of these new VPs and deans represent promotions from within MWU. These academic leaders have been successful in their positions and have been given new responsibilities as part of MWU's leadership team.

So, it was a busy week but a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on the successes of the past year and the new opportunities that await us in 2007. I hope your holidays are happy.