Focus on the Faculty

Good morning.

Before I get to today’s topic – Faculty Appreciation Week – I must mention the amazing national recognition announced earlier this week. The Medical Center ranks #2 in the country for Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals by Forbes. What a significant accomplishment! I want to commend everyone whose job in some way impacts the metrics that go into deciding this ranking, which includes surveys from employees. So, in a way, this ranking reflects YOUR feedback and that may be the best part of it all. I love to say, many times in VC Notes, how appreciative I am for you, our workforce, but it’s amazing to hear that type of feedback in the other direction – you appreciate where you work and the job you do. Thank you and congratulations. We should all be proud of this commendation.

Now, on to today’s topic.

This week has been a time to celebrate an asset of ours that hides in plain sight across our health science schools – our accomplished, esteemed faculty.

Our 1,933 full-time, part-time and affiliate faculty have some of the most impressive work histories and professional résumés in the industry and come from all corners. They can literally go anywhere in the world to practice their chosen specialty – but they’ve chosen Mississippi, and for that we thank them.

A display of those thanks continued this week, as our Office of Faculty Affairs organized Faculty Appreciation Week.

More than just a series of events, the week offered an opportunity to recognize the many ways our faculty advance our missions. It also provided time for faculty across our schools and disciplines to connect and recharge.

On behalf of UMMC, I, for one, extend my most sincere appreciation. Our faculty got to know how much their contributions to our institution and the people of Mississippi are valued. The work they do allows us to continue working our way toward A Healthier Mississippi.