Greetings,

We were so pleased to welcome to the Winter Commencement stage “one of our own,” Dr. Michael Boucree, to provide remarks to our graduates.  Until recently, Dr. Boucree served as Vice President for Outcomes Management & Chief Quality/Patient Safety Officer at Hurley Medical Center.  From 1999 to 2007 he served as Vice President for Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at Hurley.  Prior to that Dr. Boucree, while maintaining his private practice, served as Vice President of Medical Management/Medical Director for the Hurley PHO of Mid-Michigan from 1996 to 1999, Medical Director of Heartland Manor at Carriage Town Nursing Home from 1994 to 1999, Medical Director for the Hurley Medical Group from 1993 to 1996, Chief Physician Advisor for Hurley’s Department of Utilization and Case Management from 1991 to 1999 and other director positions throughout Michigan.  Dr. Boucree received his M.D. and M.P.H. from Tulane University in 1984 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine in 1987 at Howard University Medical Service, District of Colombia General Hospital in Washington D.C.  He was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 1995, Diplomat of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians in 1992 and Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1987.  He has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine since 1991.  He served as a member of the Genesee County Board of Health, was the medical society representative to the Greater Flint Health Coalition and Past President (2001) of the Genesee County Medical Society.  Dr. Boucree is a member of numerous professional societies, including the American College of Physician Executives, American Medical Association and Michigan State Medical Society.

In September, Dr. Boucree, who is a native of New Orleans, moved back home to take a new position.  He is currently serving as Vice President for Medical Affairs at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank.

Now, imagine being in the midst of a very successful career such as that described above, and then imagine pursuing another degree in addition to all your responsibilities.  That is the story of our Commencement speaker.

I came to know Dr. Boucree through my work on the Hurley Medical Center Board of Managers.  Dr. Boucree is an outstanding medical professional, and an important leader in public health.  It was only after meeting him at Hurley that I discovered that he was one of our undergraduate students!

Dr. Boucree has always had a passion for music.  Once he was established in his chosen field, he decided that he wanted to return to school to get a degree in musical performance, and that is just what he did.  In addition to being a top medical professional, Dr. Boucree is an accomplished classical pianist.

Dr. Boucree exemplifies what many of our students do – return to school to pursue degrees while working at full time jobs.  He is a wonderful representation of that can-do spirit that exists among UM-Flint students.  And most of all, he is a great example of the phrase, “follow your passion.”  We applaud his success and his support of our great campus (and we miss him!)

Compete

At the December Regents meeting, several items were approved that relate to advancing our academic mission.  First, the M.S. in Accounting degree was approved, allowing us to begin this new degree program in the Fall of 2012.  Second, two new department chair appointments were approved – Jessica Tischler in Chemistry and Susan Gano-Phillips in Psychology.  Congratulations to both!

At the end of last semester, one of our graduates, Cameron Waites, received a 2011 Governor’s Service Award for his outstanding work in the community.  Belated congratulations, Cameron!

At the 33rd Annual MLK Tribute Dinner this month, Devon Taljonick, one of our students, was awarded a 2012 MLK Scholarship.  Devon’s dad Kurt is one of our employees in Facilities.

Convene

My colleagues, Kristen Storey, Phil Smith, and Deb Orlowski from UM-HRD joined me on January 9 to provide information sessions on one of our two leadership development initiatives – EXCEL.  This program is open for applications from staff and faculty who wish to participate, with the first class ready to go on February 3rd.  This self-paced program is very much aligned with our new Strategic Plan, which calls for enhanced development opportunities for faculty and staff.  We hope you will join us in this journey!

Connect

UM-Flint has been invited to participate in a newly-proposed coalition of community and law enforcement leaders.  This organization will provide a forum for dialogue and an opportunity for enhanced relationships between community and law enforcement in the Flint area.  Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (“ALPACT”) has been successful in creating partnerships and building increased trust between community and law enforcement over the past 13 years in the Detroit Metropolitan area.  Detroit’s ALPACT has been successful in increasing opportunities for community partnering, and in building a stronger foundation for higher levels of community trust.  ALPACT Flint will be comprised of leaders from federal, state and local law enforcement and community leaders who will meet regularly to examine issues affecting police and community relations in and around Flint.  Examples of pertinent issues include, but are not limited to, community perceptions of discriminatory enforcement of laws, racial profiling, local law enforcement capacity, and use of force by police officers.  The coalition members will work together to define organizational goals, provide a platform for constructive dialogue, and educate and inform on law enforcement, civil rights and civil liberties issues distinctive to this community.  UM-Flint has been asked to serve as host for the group, which in all likelihood will meet on a monthly basis from September to June of each year.  Bill Webb, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance, and I will initially serve as the University’s representatives.  The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is instrumental in supporting the work of the group.  We will keep you informed about the work of the group as it goes forward and as UM-Flint plays a key role in its development.

On My Calendar