August 4, 2022
2022 Colloquium -- Vision 2030: Rising to the Challenges of Delivering Post-Pandemic Education
Oakwood University faculty, staff and administrators gathered at the McKee Business & Technology Complex for University Colloquium, August 1-3, 2022, to officially start the new school year. Colloquium is an annual event for the purpose of equipping and inspiring employees through information presented by guest speakers, discussions, interactive learning activities, and workshops. This year, with the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan as a guidebook, attendees took a deep look into ways to successfully navigate the new world beyond the pandemic, one that we did not choose, and cannot control.
(Left) President Leslie Pollard led the program, with a presentation about the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. (Center) At Oakwood University, all plans are bathed in prayer. (Right) Provost James Mbyirukira announced the "New Faces, New Places" in the Oakwood family.
During Colloquium, Latino employees gathered to celebrate the mission of Oakwood to our Latino constituents. Latino student enrollment at Oakwood has grown by 150% since 2018.
As an affirmation of the significant level of internal talent at Oakwood University, spiritual devotions were offered by Dr. Clifford Jones, Dean of the School of Theology; Chaplain Andrew Pileggi; and Dr. Sherine Brown-Fraser, Chair of Nutrition & Dietetics. We also drew from the well of internal expertise of our own professional presenters who engaged attendees on topics relevant to advancing the post-pandemic delivery of transformational education.
Guest speaker Steve Smith, from the TRELLIS Customer Service Company (pictured), emphasized that one way to improve customer service is to communicate – both internally and externally. Oakwood University and the TRELLIS Company have been partnering for the last few years to help our students successfully start school, stay in school, and manage their personal finances and student loan obligations.
(L-R) The Registration Team checked everyone in. Chief Ken Scott (center) with the OUPD team. Staff from OUIT was on hand to troubleshoot technology questions.
Colloquium provides many opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration and discussion as information is shared about various campus initiatives.
During an interactive activity, faculty and staff "produced" movie trailers about various student-related concerns. Lewis Jones (center) excitedly proclaimed, "The students are coming!"
Oakwood University Partners with UAB to Prepare Students from Underrepresented Areas to Enter the Dentistry Field
by Anna Jones - UAB
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and Oakwood University are partnering together for an Early-Assurance Program to recruit Oakwood University students interested in a career in dentistry into UAB’s dental program. Oakwood University is the first university in Alabama to join this program.
 
“We are proud to partner with Oakwood University for this Early-Assurance Program,” said Carly Timmons McKenzie, Ph.D., assistant dean of Admissions and associate professor in the UAB School of Dentistry. “This program enhances our efforts to increase the number of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic graduates in dental education and prepare them for a career in this industry.”
 
The program offers selected sophomore students conditional early acceptance into the UAB School of Dentistry and helps ensure participants enter dental school with a solid foundation. Oakwood University students conditionally accepted through the EAP are required to achieve satisfactory academic metrics, as measured by the Dental Admission Test and grade point average earned during successful degree program completion at Oakwood University.
 
“Oakwood University is looking forward to this partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry,” said Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min. “As an HBCU [historically Black college or university], Oakwood University is fully committed to producing health care professionals who are uniquely qualified to close the gap in disparities in dental health within underserved populations. Oakwood has a rich history in partnering with institutions that share this commitment, and UAB is one of our most committed partners. By working together, we will be able to assist more students of color to take the next step in their journey to becoming a health care professional — particularly in the field of dentistry. As a leading HBCU in Alabama, we are uniquely qualified to offer this opportunity to students pursuing a career in health care.”
 
Nominated students will interview for the EAP while participating in the 2022 Summer Health Professions Education Program at the UAB School of Dentistry. SHPEP is a free, six-week summer enrichment residential program for first- and second-year college students. The goal of SHPEP is to increase diversity in health professions by recruiting and preparing underrepresented students for successful educational experiences and careers in health care.
 
Selected candidates may be offered conditional acceptance to the UAB School of Dentistry following participation in SHPEP and completion of the interview process. Those who are accepted through this program may be eligible for scholarships provided by UAB.
Enter to Learn:
Oakwood University Welcomes Freshmen and New Students
During Move In Day and New Student Orientation (NSO), August 3-5, 2022, we welcome our students as they arrive on campus, move into the residence halls, and complete the steps of registration. In next week's "Back to School" edition of InsideOakwood, we will take a closer look at the week of activities for the 2022-2023 school year.
...Depart to Serve: Alumni News
Oakwood Alum Named as Inductee into 2022 Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame
by Julia Couch - Belmont University
Belmont University has announced its 2022 class of Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame inductees. Honorees will be recognized at a celebration and reception at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 18. With a mission to honor those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the health and health care industries, the Hall of Fame was created in 2015 by Belmont University, the McWhorter Society and the Nashville Health Care Council, a founding partner.

The 2022 Health Care Hall of Fame inductees include Oakwood alum Reginald Coopwood, M.D.: President and Chief Executive Officer of Regional One Health; Former Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Nashville Hospital Authority; Former Chief Medical Officer of Nashville General Hospital at Meharry Medical College.

The nomination process began in January and was open to practitioners, executives, entrepreneurs, mentors, teachers, scientists, researchers, innovators or any person with a connection to the health or health care field who:

  • Was born, lived or worked in Tennessee
  • Made a significant impact and lasting contribution to health care at the local, state, national or international level
  • Exhibits the highest ethical and professional character
  • Serves as an outstanding role model in their community
 
“These physicians and leaders have paved the way for the future of health care, providing inspiration to our students who will one day emulate their efforts. Each honoree has championed health and well-being for all through their work in health care access, research and education to help our Tennessee communities flourish,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones.”  MORE
Oakwood Alum Part of Negotiations for WIPO Treaties Headed to Diplmatic Conferences
by A. Kenyatta Greer - Emory Law News Center
Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law Margo Bagley has been actively involved in negotiations for two proposed treaties that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assemblies agreed to send to diplomatic conferences. Once convened, the conferences will consider a new Design Law Treaty and a treaty relating to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge utilization in the patent system. Diplomatic conferences are the meetings through which multilateral treaties are adopted.
  
Bagley, as Friend of the Chair in the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC), has been involved in negotiations for both outcomes for the past eight years. She will also be heavily involved in the meetings building towards both treaties, in both cases serving as an expert advisor to the African Union.
 
The Design Law Treaty would “provide for a more streamlined, harmonized process for filing and protecting design rights around the world,” according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Draft International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources has the potential to “improve the quality, effectiveness and transparency of the patent system” in relation to the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources claimed in patent applications. 

“This outcome is a profoundly important step for both the international IP system and for indigenous peoples and local communities who steward genetic resources and create traditional knowledge. I am thrilled to have played a role in getting to this point and look forward to the culmination of this work in two new and inclusive IP treaties," says Bagley. 

WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information, and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states. 
Renowned Physician-Scientist and Oakwood Alum to serve as Vice Dean for Research at EVMS
After an extensive national search, Milton Brown, MD, PhD, has been selected as the Vice Dean of Research at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). He will oversee the institution's research endeavors beginning August 1.

Dr. Brown is a renowned physician-scientist with more than 20 years of experience. His research and educational focus are in translational medicine and therapeutics discovery. Considered a pioneer in his field, Dr. Brown is one of only a handful of physician-scientists in the U.S. to hold both a medical degree and a PhD in synthetic chemistry. He earned his MD from the University of Virginia and his PhD in synthetic chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Brown comes to EVMS from George Mason University where he served as Professor of Practice in the College of Science and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery.
“I was drawn to EVMS because of its incredible focus and sustained commitment to improve the health of the community,” Dr. Brown says. “I am excited to work with our world-class researchers and clinicians toward translating EVMS science into new therapies and diagnostics to significantly improve the health of our community.” MORE
All of our Oakwood alumni are welcome to join us, virtually, for the the 5th annual Alumni Summit. Look for more details soon. In the meantime, Emile Parker, Director of Alumni Relations, is available to answer your questions -- [email protected], or (256) 726-7039.
Leave a Legacy at "the Oaks"
Pave the way into the next 125 years of success by purchasing a personalized brick on the Legacy Walkway, that leads from Ford Hall and the Peters Media Center to the rest of the campus.

The Legacy Walkway Brick Campaign provides an opportunity to leave a legacy and support campus improvement at the same time. Our Legacy Walkway features names of donors, loved ones, special remembrances, and favorite sayings. Bricks are a great opportunity to congratulate a graduate, celebrate an advanced degree or accomplishment, or honor your loved ones.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to leave more than a memory at Oakwood University. You can leave your own legacy as we continue our mission – to transform the lives of our students.
Give back year-round to Oakwood University
while shopping online with AmazonSmile.
The AmazonSmile Foundation will send OU .5% of eligible purchases when you choose Oakwood University.
It's simple:

  • You can use your current Amazon account.
  • Just click https://smile.amazon.com.
  • When prompted, select Oakwood University as your charitable organization, and then
  • Shop as you normally do.
Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
Your Oakwood University family thanks you for all you continue to do for
"our dear Oakwood."
Show yOUr Pride in Alabama!
Purchasing an Alabama “Oakwood University License Plate” is a simple way to contribute to scholarships for Oakwood students who are Alabama residents.

Request your Oakwood University collegiate plate when you normally register your car in Alabama so you don’t have to double pay.  Contact Debbe Millet in IMPR if you have any questions.
The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.
InsideOakwood is published by the
Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations at Oakwood University.
Editor: Debbe Millet | Graphic Designer: Ron J. Pride
[email protected] | (256) 726-7202