Julie M. Aultman

The presentation details the mission and strategy of the Harrington Discovery Institute and Oxford Harrington Rare Disease Center to accelerate cures for rare diseases. The core approach involves a 'nonprofit pharma' model that identifies and supports breakthrough projects globally. Key focus areas include providing drug development expertise, fostering partnerships across academia, industry, and philanthropy, and leveraging genomic data and gene-targeted therapeutics. The vision aims to translate biomedical discoveries into new medicines, addressing significant unmet medical needs in various disease categories such as neurological, metabolic, and oncology disorders.

The campus update, the first of 2026, focused on reviewing the results of the recent faculty and staff ENPS survey and subsequent executive management team retreat, with plans to share details soon. The President discussed ongoing initiatives to improve organizational cohesiveness and mentioned meeting with Human Resources regarding actionable items. A major topic was the College of Medicine's self-study kickoff for its reaccreditation visit scheduled for early 2027, noting skyrocketing performance indicators and student net promoter scores. Updates were also provided on research funding secured (nearly $150,000 since the last update), the recognition of faculty and student scholars, the matching of six military medical students to residencies, and the commissioning of two new military officers. Personnel updates included Dr. Mark Erando taking over leadership of the Neomed Free Clinic. Furthermore, announcements were made regarding new cohorts for Lean Six Sigma training (Yellow Belt and Green Belt programs) and the kudos recognition program. The presentation concluded with brief mentions of upcoming events, including the Lunar New Year celebration and the next vital speaker presentation.

The February update focused on recognizing faculty and staff achievements, including external research funding secured by multiple faculty members, such as Dr. Sam Krish, Dr. Phil Turk, Dr. Jen Reneker, Dr. Basson, Dr. Christine Kish, and Dr. Matt Smith. Total recent funding since the last update exceeded $1.5 million, with major awards for Dr. Ramen and Dr. Lose. Dr. Sarah Dugan was recognized for her nomination as a Fellow for the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. A significant segment detailed the conclusion of year four of the 'ideiator' joint venture with University Hospitals, which addresses major healthcare problems through interdisciplinary teams focused this year on environmental health, following previous years on maternal health, gun violence, and food insecurity. Recognition was given to Subie Simmons for joining the United States Navy. The establishment of the $1.5 million endowed Igel Family Award for high-impact research in the College of Medicine was announced. Chief Callie Williams was congratulated for completing the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program. Preparations for an active threat training exercise on March 17th were announced. Updates were also provided on the thriving Vitals program, the upcoming Escapius Ball on March 27th with a 'Starry Night' theme, and employee recognition in March. Finally, an overview of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology was presented in preparation for sharing results from faculty and staff surveys.

The meeting included an oath of office for the new Student Trustee, Guido Shero. Committee reports were given on Institutional Advancement, Academic and Scientific Affairs, and Finance, Fiscal Policy and Investment. The board discussed nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the NEOMED Board of Trustees. President Langell reported on recent milestones, including White Coat Ceremonies and the Bitonte College of Dentistry Ribbon Cutting. The board approved a resolution of appreciation to President Langell and a resolution of appreciation to Sharlene Ramos-Chesnes. The board also voted for annual leadership.

The meeting included a report from the president recapping NEOMED's progress over the last five years, including financial and operational stability, strategic planning, and infrastructure improvements. The board discussed legal matters in an executive session. Committee reports covered institutional advancement, academic and scientific affairs, and finance. The board approved resolutions for starting a College of Nursing, a lease agreement for space at the Midtown Collaboration Center, and a voluntary intergovernmental transfer. A resolution of appreciation was approved for Omer S. Ashruf, M.D.