On Election Day, we look back at Arthur Stokes, M.D., and 1899 graduate from the Omaha Medical College (forerunner of UNMC), who later served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
After internship and studies in New York and Europe, Dr. Stokes returned to Omaha and became a faculty member of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, where he concluded his career in 1924 as professor of clinical surgery.
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Arthur Stokes, M.D. |
As one of several Omaha doctors enlisted to lobby the legislature for a new medical campus at 42nd and Dewey streets, Dr. Stokes spent much time in Lincoln where he conferred with legislators. He helped secure the purchase of the campus property and funding from the legislature for the first building on the new campus in 1913 (now Poynter Hall).
Elected to the board
In 1930, Dr. Stokes was elected to the Board of Regents and in 1935 was elected president of the board.
A campaign ad in the Omaha Bee News on November 3, 1930, said: “Dr. Stokes brought this institution (the med center) to Omaha. Let’s guard it by electing A. C. Stokes to the Board of Regents. At the present time there are 3 lawyers, 1 druggist, 1 real estate man, 1 farmer (on the board). If Dr. Stokes is defeated there will be 4 lawyers on the board. This is not good business — too many men from one profession do no good for any board.”
An early “world-class” vision
Following his election to the board, Stokes said he wanted to “Establish a great medical center in Omaha, encourage original research work at the university medical college and place all health education and disease prevention under the state medical college.”
Dr. Stokes died of a heart attack in 1940, at the age of 70, while still a regent.
Thanks John. Your historical information is always extremely interesting. Although much has changed over the years, it is enlightening to see how the focus has remained the same.