Welcome Message from President Owen

William F. Owen, Jr., MD
President, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

7/10/07—It is with tremendous pride and enthusiasm that I join you as the University’s President. My management style is based on personal integrity, team service, leadership engagement, and deep respect for all members of our wonderful organization. I will impart these values throughout the management of UMDNJ. Too often, organizational leaders forget the maxim that “Strong trees grow from the middle and the base, but die from the top.” So, I enthusiastically look forward to working with and for you.

My paramount goal is to identify and implement approaches to accelerate our success. Regrettably, some of our detractors have unfairly viewed and even portrayed the misplaced actions of a small number of individuals as reflective of a troubled organization with limited promise. However, we know that this is not the case. We have made proud and noteworthy accomplishments in the past, and many more will soon come to fruition. Achieving success in a harsh environment is inspiring. Therefore, I want to offer heartfelt gratitude for your perseverance. Staying focused, engaged, upbeat, and visionary in the midst of distractions is no small task. Just think of what we will achieve when these distractions are removed in an environment of greater support for entrepreneurship where you’ve earned well-deserved autonomy with accountability.

I am excited about the transformational opportunities that we have begun to realize. Our reconstituted and expanded Board of Trustees led by Mr. Del Tufo, along with the guidance and support of Federal Monitor Stern and U.S. Attorney Christie, has boldly shaped corrective and preventive action programs that provide clarity and safeguards for operational integrity across the institution. This foundation of veracity, excellence, and accountability will support our efforts to transform UMDNJ into a great institution in which individuals are valued for their accomplishments, rather than excessively relying on the strength and duration of individual relationships. Moreover, let us acknowledge and praise Dr. Bruce Vladeck in his crucial role as our Interim President. Transitional leadership roles are uniquely difficult. Dr. Vladeck selflessly assumed a challenging position and served as a remarkable catalyst for a fresh perspective with calming, reassuring vision.

With this background, I look forward to focusing on implementing our future success, rather than lamenting over challenges from our past. Over the next few months, I will complete a deep and inclusive environmental scan. I am seeking to better understand how we came to our current state. How did we achieve our great successes; what frustrated the achievement of even greater accomplishment; and what do we need to invest in for even more achievement? To answer these complex questions, I need your assistance. I will gather input from many of you directly over the coming weeks, but seek and welcome the thoughts of the many. I also invite opinions from stakeholders outside our organization, since we are a community resource.

In closing, we need to modify the conversations being held about UMDNJ, both outside and inside the University. Specifically, I am sure you may have tired of the message of “reforming UMDNJ.” Let us have the audacity to begin talking about the deserved “greatness of UMDNJ.” You’ve earned this legacy.

Thank you again for your support. We’ve exciting days ahead!

William F. Owen, Jr., MD
President