Dr. Brian Cummings connects with students during second annual Conversations With the Dean series
In a tradition that began during Dr. Brian Cummings' first semester as dean of the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, students from across the college were invited to informal meet-and-greet sessions this fall.
Beginning in early September and extending past Thanksgiving, these Conversations With the Dean events offered students the chance to get better acquainted with each other, their program directors and college leadership, including Associate Dean for Health Sciences Sara Maher, Associate Dean for Pharmacy Susan Davis and, of course, Dean Cummings.
Students enjoyed refreshments as they answered the dean's questions and posed their own. Topics ranged from fun facts about each attendee to how everyone manages exam stress. Dean Cummings checked in on how the students were feeling about their studies and WSU Applebaum, and asked if there was anything he could do to help, including asking what they would do if they were dean for the day.
"There is nothing better than sitting down with a group of students to hear firsthand how things are going for them," Cummings said. "I appreciated hearing the enthusiasm in their voices, and getting feedback from them on everything from scheduling to water bottle refilling stations - which are coming! We're working with the university to get these installed in both buildings, and that's due to excellent suggestions from students."
Some of the interesting facts shared with the dean have resulted in Student Spotlight Q&As on our website and social media channels - such as the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice student who used to be a semi-truck driver or the Doctor of Physical Therapy student who co-founded a class Sunshine Committee. If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Student Spotlight, fill out this form to share details about your WSU Applebaum experience.
Check out the group photos from Conversations With the Dean below, with more pics in our full album on Flickr.
An anchor in urban health care
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.