Reform, rejuvenation, and progress begin with the commitment of UMDNJ’s Board of Trustees. Significant remedial and forward progress has been made this year, and we are committed to ensuring that the forward progress continues, remediation is implemented, and new rules enforced. The Board and administration are steadfast in our determination to bring about lasting reform and put the people in place to make sure the job is done right. Fortunately, we have found outstanding leaders and built a solid team.

In March 2007, the Board of Trustees unanimously selected William F. Owen, Jr., MD, as the next president of the University. This announcement came at the conclusion of an eight-month national search and the evaluation of 300 candidates by a distinguished search committee. With Dr. Owen’s appointment, we open the next chapter in the ongoing effort to realize the enormous potential of this University.

This year eight new, highly qualified members joined an expanded Board. Together with a dedicated core of continuing members, they are contributing a broad range of expertise and experience to institutional governance. In addition, the entire board committee structure has been reorganized and the committee functions redefined.

The creation of an active Audit Committee of the Board made a crucial contribution to the strides UMDNJ has made in oversight and compliance. A strong team is in place with the addition of two key leaders this year—senior vice president/general counsel and vice president/chief ethics and compliance officer. The Board also strengthened and revamped the entire procurement procedure with emphasis on transparency and competitive bidding. A Contract Management office was created to oversee contracts. In addition, a vice president for supply chain management was named. Another important step as we moved ahead was the creation of a “whistleblower” policy to protect those who have information about possible missteps and to encourage them to come forward.

Amid the many challenges this year, the Board and the University’s executive leadership have never lost sight of the critical importance of our institutional mission to our state and beyond. We have been careful to protect the quality and integrity of the University’s educational and clinical programs and research endeavors.

UMDNJ is well along the road to becoming the effective, efficient, and ethical operation that New Jersey has a right to expect. I thank the members of the Board of Trustees for their commitment to this goal, Dr. Bruce Vladeck for his leadership through this year of transition, and the University community for its unwavering faith in our future. The Board of Trustees looks forward to continuing our progress, in conjunction with the leadership of President Owen, for many years to come.

Robert J. Del Tufo, Esq.
Chair, Board of Trustees