Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and other UNMC leaders hosted members of the Chancellor’s Board of Counselors at UNMC’s Omaha campus in October.
The Board of Counselors is a statewide citizen advisory group charged with both serving as ambassadors for UNMC in their communities across the state and helping UNMC foster relationships and engagement opportunities throughout the state.
The visitors heard presentations from UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, and UNMC College of Allied Health Professions Dean Kyle Meyer, PhD, as well as Dr. Davies himself, during the evening event. They also heard from two residents, Nicole Kent, MD, and Rose Nelson, MD, who are Nebraska natives.
Dr. Davies welcomed them with a presentation that featured some of his personal history and a recap of his first 100 days, including his listening tour in communities across the state, a breakdown of some new central and western Nebraska partnerships and a look at how, through projects such as the Kearney expansion and the EDGE District, UNMC is building a stronger Nebraska.
Dr. Kugel, who traveled from Lincoln with Greg Bennett, DMD, and Merlyn Vogt, DDS, briefed the counselors on the state of the college and shared highlights of the past year, which included the college’s highly successful UNMC VETSmile Dental Clinic. Dr. Bennett then discussed advances in 3D printing practices in dentistry.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing dental education and patient care in Nebraska,” Dr. Kugel said. “Through initiatives like the VETSmile Dental Clinic, we are building relationships that expand access to vital oral health services for our communities. It’s inspiring to show how our collaborations and innovative practices, including the latest advances in 3D printing, are not only enhancing the quality of care we deliver but also supporting the future of dentistry.”
Dr. Meyer, who also serves as interim assistant vice chancellor for health care workforce education and relations, spoke on the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, highlighting the contributions of many partners to the complex, which will serve UNMC allied health, public health, pharmacy, nursing and medical students.
“The health of our citizens is a responsibility shared by everyone in the state, and this facility demonstrates our collective commitment to a healthy future for all Nebraskans,” he said.
Dr. Meyer said he appreciated the opportunity to update the board on the Rural Health Education Complex.
“The Board of Counselors is an enthusiastic group of individuals from across the state, committed to UNMC and the advancement of health and health care for all Nebraskans,” he said. “As ambassadors of UNMC in their respective communities, their work is an integral part of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s ongoing success.”
Dr. Davies said he was pleased with the event.
“The members of the board of counselors are very passionate about UNMC,” he said. “It was exciting to update them on our successes in the past year and to seek their input and advocacy on our future.”
What a treat to see Barb and Bob in our corner. They are superb at anything they undertake