State Rep. Kim Williams serves as Dean for a Day

State Rep. Kim Williams (D-Stanton) recently served as dean for a day at the College of Health Sciences. Williams represents the 19th District and was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2012. 

On Tuesday, November 12, while serving as dean at CHS, Williams met with College and University leadership, toured the Gross Anatomy Lab, and met with leadership in the Department of Physical Therapy. Williams also held office hours with undergraduate and graduate students and toured the FinTech Building on STAR Campus, where she met with Life Sciences leadership. 

Afterward, Williams took part in a Q&A about the experience:

Q: What did you hope to learn or accomplish by stepping into the role of Dean for the day?

Rep. Williams: I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the College's undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about any initiatives that would assist with recruiting and retaining qualified individuals in our state.

Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?

Rep. Williams: The most informative and surprising part of the experience was learning about the University of Delaware's Anatomical Gift Program and the service that they provide to communities and Delawareans throughout the state through people who donate their bodies to medical research. UD has one of the top physical therapy programs in the nation, and this correlates with the anatomical gift program and the learning experience it provides students. 

Q: How did today’s experience change or reinforce your perspective on health sciences education?

Rep. Williams: It reinforces my perspective that health sciences education and research can be so beneficial to our community, state and nation. With the opportunity for students to learn how to resolve issues in a lab or simulation experience, these students can help in the years ahead to create vaccines for diseases and new health treatments, along with so much more that will meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.

Q: What opportunities do you see for collaboration between community colleges, state entities, and universities like UD in health education?

Rep. Williams: I see ways to make health education more affordable and accessible for many more Delawareans by establishing additional connections throughout the high school pathway programs, Delaware Technical Community College and Delaware State University. We know that workers in the healthcare field are in demand throughout our state and nation. Providing students with more ways to use transfer and Advanced Placement credits in high school to advance their path in health education will allow them to fill this workforce need.

Q: What conversations with students or faculty stood out, and what did you learn from those interactions?

Rep. Williams: I learned from these interactions that everyone loved what they were doing and was committed to students' success and seeing their programs grow in the future. I also saw that institutes of higher education are not just places for students to earn a higher degree; they play an important role in our state by providing opportunities for students to stay in Delaware and become a part of the workforce. 

Q: What ideas or initiatives would you consider implementing after this experience to strengthen health sciences education and healthcare outcomes in the state?

Rep. Williams: I would support initiatives that would assist with collaboration between colleges and state entities to develop programs to strengthen health sciences education. We should look at ways to ensure that students--once they receive a degree--can live, work, and make a difference in communities throughout our state. 

Williams' experience marks the second time CHS has hosted Dean for a Day. Last April, Highmark President Nick Moriello served as Dean for a Day. CHS is planning more opportunities for leaders in various government, education, and healthcare industries to take the helm and serve as Dean for a Day this spring to strengthen community partnerships and bridge academic learning with practical experience to navigate the dynamic and evolving health landscape.