The end of the academic year is traditionally the busiest time of the year, and this year was certainly no exception.
There was surprising news on April 28 when University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., indefinitely paused the chancellor search at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and appointed UNMC Chancellor Jeff Gold, M.D., to lead the UNO campus on an interim basis.
Although a surprise to both campuses, it is a decision that recognizes the complementary missions of UNMC and UNO. Dr. Gold’s track record of accomplishments in his three years at UNMC leaves little doubt that he will excel at this challenge. More importantly, it creates opportunities to better leverage the strengths of both campuses and build bridges that will strengthen both institutions.
For the College of Medicine, two existing programs between UNMC and UNO readily come to mind as potential areas that will benefit from this new relationship with UNO. One is UNeTech, an institute that supports start-up companies grown from university research. The other is the Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP). UHOP targets talented students from medically underserved urban areas interested in health careers in these urban settings. They receive scholarship and career development support at UNO during their undergraduate years. They also are guaranteed admission to the UNMC College of Medicine contingent upon successful completion of their undergraduate work at a level that indicates they will succeed at UNMC.
College of Medicine faculty have likewise worked with UNO in biomechanics research, an area where UNO is a national leader, and both UNMC and UNO are active in the National Strategic Research Institute, a university-wide initiative through which faculty conduct research focused on defense and national security. These programs should continue to flourish.
Undoubtedly, with this new leadership structure, collaboration between the two universities is bound to grow, and the pipeline of students moving from UNO to UNMC will hopefully be enhanced. I encourage all College of Medicine faculty and staff to accept this dual chancellorship with an open mind and a helping hand. If we work together, great things can happen.
As always, the Honors Convocation, Hooding Ceremony and Commencement on May 5-6 were quite moving. The College of Medicine conferred medical degrees to 123 students this year. As dean, commencement has to rank as the best day of my year. It’s exciting to witness the unbridled joy as our students complete the first key step in the process of becoming a physician. Congratulations to all of our graduates.
On the opposite scale of emotion, we received very sad news on May 13 that one of our college’s outstanding researchers – Mike Boska, Ph.D., a professor in the department of radiology – died in a glider accident near the Blair, Neb., airport.
Mike was an expert in magnetic resonance imaging research. His skills were critical to many research projects on our campus, most notably in the neuroscience area. Mike also was a kind and thoughtful man who had many friends throughout the campus. His death is a huge loss for the College of Medicine and our entire university. Our deepest sympathies go out to Mike’s family and friends. He will never be forgotten.
On May 23, the medical center community experienced the long-awaited dedication of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The events were highlighted by the visit of former Vice President Joe Biden, who delivered the keynote speech at the dedication, and Dale Chihuly’s visit to Omaha to open the Chihuly Sanctuary. It was truly a memorable few days that reinforce the stature and respect afforded to our medical center and cancer programs, as well as the leaders and citizens of the communities that we serve.
I encourage all of you to take a few minutes and visit the cancer center. You will find it an experience that will make you proud to be part of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.