It’s with a great sense of humility that I assume the leadership of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine as its fourth dean. Our unexpected tragedy has moved me to a position that I did not foresee, but I view my role as one of working for all of you. Over the last three decades, Deans Magen, Wood and Jacobs have set the standards that have made MSUCOM the premier institution it is today, and it’s my goal to continue to strengthen, enhance and enlarge the reach of this college and university. For the past three years I have worked with everyone here to ensure that our house is in good order and for all that support, I thank you. I cannot promise to never make a mistake, but I can promise you my best efforts. I am in a fortunate position because I know for a fact that our people are positive, proactive and innovative as demonstrated by a number of creative projects underway.

§ With the appointment of world-renowned researcher Malcolm Pope to the Walter F. Patenge Endowed Chair, MSUCOM is developing a neuromusculoskeletal research center

§ We’ve deepened and broadened our teaching of OMM, doubling the predoctoral curriculum and expanding postdoctoral instruction through the Statewide Campus System

§ Cranial-sacral therapy is still controversial, but the expertise of our faculty in using and studying it is helping it to gain credibility

§ Our Visiting Minority Faculty Program – "From Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey" – won MSU’s Excellence in Diversity Award (p. 8)

§ One of our clinical faculty, William G. Anderson Sr., DO, has received an honorary doctorate degree from MSU (p. 11).

We have some high standards to meet and some significant challenges over the next several years, but I’m confident that with the strong support of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of MSUCOM, we will be able to write compelling chapters in the history of our college. I hope you’ll join us!

William D. Strampel, DO
Dean