It’s Been Amazing, But It’s Time

To UMMC faculty, staff and students, 

This week’s VC Notes is coming out a bit early because I have information to share that I want you all to hear directly from me. Earlier today, I informed the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees that, after more than 40 years at UMMC, I will retire at the end of the current academic year on June 30, 2027. 

Chancellor Glenn Boyce wanted to offer these words as we reflected on our time together:

"Dr. Woodward has been a driving force for advancing health care in our state and improving the lives of Mississippians for today and generations to come. Throughout her distinguished career, her visionary and unwavering leadership has expanded medical education, strengthened partnerships across the state, championed children’s health care and advanced cancer care. Dr. Woodward’s enduring legacy is reflected in the significant progress and institutional achievements at UMMC, as well as in the countless lives she has touched, the communities she has strengthened and the healthier Mississippi she helped build. I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement.”

I am deeply grateful to Chancellor Boyce and all of you for your support over the years and for the opportunity to have served alongside you. It is of utmost importance to him and me that the Medical Center continues the amazing growth and positive momentum we are currently experiencing in every mission area. To that end, the Chancellor recommended to the IHL Trustees his appointment of Dr. Alan Jones, who currently serves as the institution’s second-in-command, be appointed as the next vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine effective July 1, 2027.

This recommendation was accepted by the Board of Trustees earlier today and Chancellor Boyce shared his thoughts about Dr. Jones’ appointment and the Medical Center’s future:

“I’m deeply grateful for Dr. Alan Jones’ willingness to serve in this important leadership role and build upon UMMC’s tremendous achievements and momentum. His extensive experience across the clinical, academic, research, operational and leadership functions of UMMC positions him to advance the Medical Center’s vital mission and guide it into its next chapter of growth, innovation and service to our state." 

UMMC has held a most special place in my heart for a very long time. As I plan my departure, I can do so with excitement and joy because I have absolute confidence in Dr. Jones and our leadership team. He has played an integral role in our shared successes over the years and has advanced many of our strategic priorities. UMMC’s future is bright, and it will be in excellent hands with Dr. Jones at the helm.

However, don’t count me out yet – I still have eight months and am very eager to see what we can accomplish in that time. There will be forthcoming opportunities to express my enormous appreciation but I will start now by simply saying that serving as the vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine for UMMC since 2015 has been an honor and privilege beyond my wildest imagination. The success of the Medical Center is central to the health of the people of Mississippi. As always, my deepest gratitude for all you do for this special place and the sacred work we do to care for and serve our patients and students.  #AHealthierMississippi