COM All-Faculty Meeting Highlights CDU’ s Innovation, Plans, and Outstanding Achievements
COM All-Faculty Meeting Highlights CDU’ s Innovation, Plans, and Outstanding Achievements
From the moment that CDU Faculty Executive Board Chair Dr. Dr. Eleby Washington called the semi-annual all-faculty meeting to order, the tone was one of enthusiasm for the work that faculty members have devoted to continually burnish the University’ s commitment to excellence. There were many reasons for celebration and to acknowledge that the plans to fully transform the CDU into a competitive, world class teaching and research institution are well underway.
Dr. Washington thanked the faculty in attendance for their outstanding commitment to students. He cited that effort as a noteworthy reason why the University has become a significant destination for students who recognize that the mission, with the focus on the CDU Advantage, was a winning formula. He also noted that the faculty’ s dedication in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant risks was exemplary.
He acknowledged the winners of the 2021 University Academic Senate Outstanding Faculty Awards. They include COM Assistant Dean Dr. Roberto Vargas, Outstanding Professor; MMDSON Interim Dean Dr. Delia Santana, Outstanding Service; Dr. Ingrid Roberts-Terrell, Assistant Director, ELM Program, Outstanding Teaching; and Dr. Magda Shaheen, Director, AXIS Research Design and Biostatistics Core, Outstanding Research.
In making this announcement, Dr. Washington noted how challenging the past year had been. The faculty led the University through challenges, while also leading students on the pathway of an education that they strive to obtain.
COM Dean Deborah Prothrow-Stith noted the continued strength and growth of GME programs and the launching of the Internal Medicine residency program. She reminded faculty of the work dedicated to the opening of the new 4-year medical program, with the first class to be welcomed in Fall, 2023. Citing the work of the collective body of faculty, staff, consultants and community stakeholders in the three tracks of curriculum development, building design, planning and development; and fundraising, she stated that the project was moving along very well.
Other notable facilities news included a progress report on the north campus project, which will be shovel ready in the near future. The APLA building, nearing completion, will have 20 % of its facilities devoted to student and employee health services.
Dean Prothrow-Stith also acknowledged the return to campus of infectious disease specialist Dr. Thomas Yoshikawa to the Internal Medicine faculty and exit of COM Assistant Dean and Kedren CMO Dr. Rahn Bailey, on his way to the post of Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Assistant Dean for Diversity at Louisiana State University.
Note: File Photos
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 12