Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

September 25, 2026

Dear colleagues,

As I approach the one-year anniversary of taking on the role of interim dean of our College of Human Medicine, I am deeply grateful to each of you whose support, mentorship, and uplifting presence have helped guide us through this year of transition.

Dean's Scholars

The greatest joy of my role in leadership continues to be our students. This week, we welcomed the M1 Dean’s Scholars at a reception held at Cowles House. The Dean’s Scholars program recognizes and supports exceptional medical students committed to leading in patient care, research, and community service. We were proud to welcome Larissa Todd, Ali Rehman, and Angela Rea, and to hear a bit of their stories and experiences that inspired each of them to pursue a career in medicine. These are very personal stories and reasons we all hold that continue to motivate us all.

MSU Medicine Working Groups

Last week, the MSU Medicine Implementation Committee met with members of the nine working groups on campus for the first time. These groups will focus on core elements of the initiative from departments to governance to student success, among others. They will help the Implementation Committee by addressing key questions, gathering input, and developing recommendations to shape the future of MSU Medicine. Our college is well represented, and I'm pleased to see many CHM colleagues serving as co-facilitators. I'm grateful to all those who applied for working groups and expressed interest in guiding this effort. There will be future opportunities to get involved and provide feedback.

Tech Week in GR

As part of Tech Week Grand Rapids, Shashank Priya, PhD, vice president of research and innovation, spoke at It Started at State, an event hosted by the MSU Research Foundation highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship emerging from Michigan State University. Dr. Priya shared insights from his own experience while emphasizing a team-centered approach to advancing health research and technological commercialization. His remarks underscored the importance of bringing together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to move promising discoveries beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications that can improve health and strengthen communities. 

Bliss Honored

Two significant honors were bestowed this week upon Rosalynn Bliss, assistant dean and chief external relations officer. Before joining the leadership team at the College of Human Medicine, Rosalynn served two terms as Grand Rapids’ first female mayor, a distinction that continues to shape her legacy of public service.

The newly named Rosalynn Bliss bus platform now recognizes her leadership in launching the Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit route, which connects downtown Grand Rapids, the Medical Mile, and Grand Valley State University. In addition, Mayor’s Grove, a serene, tree lined area of Riverside Park along the Grand River, was dedicated in her honor. Designed as both a peaceful retreat and an outdoor classroom, the space encourages visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and reflects Rosalynn’s deep commitment to children and families in the city.

We are grateful that Rosalynn continues her service-driven work within CHM’s leadership. Congratulations on these well deserved honors, Rosalynn!

$4.6 million NIH Award for Women's Health

In an enormous win for the future of women’s healthcare, Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, president emerita of MSU and an MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, is the lead researcher in a new $4.6 million award from the NIH. Woodruff and her team will partner with researchers from Rutgers, Emory, Tulane, University of Colorado Anschutz, University of Michigan, and University of Utah, to transform how medications are developed and prescribed for women. Read more about the how they will advance the understanding of hormone-related health in MSUToday.

Academic Service Recognition & Retirement Reception

The atmosphere was unmistakably celebratory as we honored distinguished careers and years of dedicated service last night at the Provost’s Academic Service Recognition & Retirement Reception at Cowles House.

Please join me in gratefully honoring the following people on contributions made throughout their careers: Hua Xiao, MD, PhD, Department of Physiology; Francesca Dwamena, MD, Department of Medicine; James Galligan, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Randi Stanulis, PhD, Department of Surgery; and Modupe Awonuga, MD, Isoken Olomu, MD, and Said Omar, MD, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. Congratulations and may retirement bring rest, deep satisfaction, and new purpose into your lives.

We also recognize Joan Ilardo, PhD, Andreas Kuhn, MD, Nara Parameswaran, PhD, Jonathan Gold, MD, and Randi Stanulis, PhD for 25 years of dedicated service. Francesca Dwamena, MD, for 30 years; David Duffey, DO, for 35 years; and Randolph Pearson, MD; for 40 years of commitment to our institution. We extend special recognition to Susan Barman, PhD, and Lionel Rosen, MD, who have contributed an extraordinary 51 and 56 years, respectively. Thank you for your years of service that have shaped our community in innumerable ways.

Every honor, milestone, and recognition shared here ultimately points back to our mission and the people who inspire it. Thank you for being part of a community that leads with purpose and lifts others through its work. Here’s to continuing the momentum together. 

In Spartan Spirit,

Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, FACP
Interim Dean, MSU College of Human Medicine