January 17, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 32, No. 21
Inside Providing stability in the interim, NursiNg research
3
College of Nursing welcomes new research associate dean.
PresideNTial
7
hONOrs
Dr. Ida Spruill was honored with prestigious research award.
2 Around Campus 5 Meet Mark 9 Applause T h e c aTa ly s T ONliNe www.musc.edu/ catalyst
MUSC leader balances two key roles
By Mikie Hayes Public Relations Often when a leader serves in an interim capacity, projects are shelved, decisions postponed and uncertainty about the future runs rampant as people hold their breath waiting for the new leader to come in and provide direction. That depiction couldn’t be further from the case at MUSC. Academic health centers currently face great challenges. The impact of the Affordable Care Act, caps in tuition and the increasing competition to secure funding all contribute to the present vulnerability academic health centers throughout the country are feeling. During such a critical time, rarely is it optimal to have a vacancy in the seniormost leadership position. MUSC, MUSC Interim President Dr. Mark Sothmann greets students and faculty at the however, is fortunate that it remains 2013 Student Government Association dinner Nov. 20. firmly in capable hands during its leadership transition as interim president and provost, Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., mans meeting the challenges of the ever-changing am fortunate to have a lot of help from an health care environment. extraordinarily strong leadership team at MUSC. the helm. “An academic medical center cannot If there is something that I feel someone else can A seasoned provost and former dean, simply be ‘maintained’ during such do, I just pick up the phone and call them. So far, Sothmann brings vision, confidence, critical times. They are either moving I haven’t had anyone turn me down.” And though approachability and compassion to the forward or falling behind. At this time of his current workload is demanding, recruiting an interim position. While the Medical monumental change in America’s health interim provost to help during this crunch time University continues its search for a care environment, MUSC’s mission and would not have been particularly helpful, according new president, Sothmann presses on people could not be more critical. Every to Sothmann. planning for the future, addressing day, our students, faculty and staff are “I just never thought that bringing an interim present challenges and moving important rising to the challenges that are presented provost in, given that I’m hoping we have the initiatives forward. to us,” Sothmann said. president in the seat by July – that’s my hope – was A member of MUSC’s leadership team, Serving in the dual capacities of interim a good idea,” he said. “To bring somebody in from Sothmann has been integrally involved president as well as fully meeting the the outside for what would essentially be a year, at the highest level of decision making, demands of his own job, vice president for and it takes a year just to get up to speed, I’m not strategic planning and problem solving Academic Affairs and provost, Sothmann’s sure that would have not been much help especially since 2011. His bird’s–eye view, coupled plate is inordinately full, and yet, he with the complexities.” with strong senior leadership by his side, credits others: “Everyone has a great deal While addressing the complexities related to allows him to focus on preserving a sound on their plates right now, he explains. I foundation while being proactive in See President on page 6
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst