Danita J. Williams, Graduate, VP of Patient Care

Indiana Wesleyan University alum to reinvigorate patient care services at nationally ranked pediatric hospital

Detroit, Mich., December 23, 2011 – Children’s Hospital of Michigan, part of the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and ranked among America’s best 50 in U.S. News Media Group’s 2011-12 Best Children’s Hospitals survey, has appointed Damita J. Williams MSN, MA, RN, CPN, NE-BC, as its new vice president of Patient Care Services. In this role, Williams will manage operations and clinical services, guide various improvement projects and educational initiatives for nursing, allied health and support staff, while assuring high quality for patients and families.

Prior to joining the DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Williams served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel, IN.

“Ms. Williams is an outstanding leader who motivates and inspires those who work with her, says Herman Gray, MD, president, Children’s Hospital of Michigan. “We are pleased that she has joined our leadership team and our continued efforts to provide exceptional care to patients and families.”

Williams received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She holds advanced degrees in nursing administration from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, IN, and advanced leadership studies from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, where she is completing her doctorate in organizational leadership. Williams is also a certified pediatric nurse and a board certified nurse executive.

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Williams is an active member of several organizations including the American Organization of Nurse Executives, where she has served on the 2011 Diversity Advisory Council, and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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For 125 years the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Children’s Hospital of Michigan is the first and most experienced hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. A leader internationally in neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services, it is ranked one of America’s best hospitals for children. More Michigan pediatricians are trained at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan than in any other facility. Children’s Hospital of Michigan is one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center. The DMC is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

Cassondra Wilson has been hired as an account executive

Ivy Tech appoints local account executive

Cassondra Wilson has been hired as an account executive with the Columbus/Franklin region of Ivy Tech Community College’s Corporate College.

The college offers customized professional development training to regional companies.

Wilson will be responsible for sales, contracts, maintaining client relationships and assisting with budget planning.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She previously held positions at Lucas Oil, Lucas Agriculture and Cummins Inc.

http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/local_story/Business_briefs_Dec_17_2011__1324087619/

IWU Graduation

http://m.chronicle-tribune.com/content/tncms/live/

IWU graduation draws crowds

By Matt Troutman mtroutman@chronicle-tribune.com | Posted: Sunday, December 18, 2011 4:00 am

Snow could not stop winter graduation ceremonies at Indiana Wesleyan University on Saturday.

The university conducted two ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students to receive their degrees. In total, around 1,760 students received their degrees, but not all could attend the ceremonies.

Alan Miller, director of university relations, said most of the graduates were in one of the university’s 16 programs across Indiana and the Midwest.

“Most of the students who are graduating are in our adult education programs,” he said.

Given the distances… (read more)

Director of Marine Product Support – Jaime Tetrault, IWU Alum

My interview this morning with Caterpillar’s (NYSE:CAT) Director of Marine Product Support, Jaime Tetrault (via Skype).

Jaime has worked in various roles at Caterpillar for the past 15 years and has a B.S. Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

In our chat, Jaime discusses Caterpillar’s ongoing carbon footprint reduction initiatives, their global product support structure, the state of the Brazilian marketplace, and finally his take on the recent reassignment of Kings Point’s Superintendent, and the future of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

School of Osteopathic Medicine Update

LJWorld.com

Statehouse Live: Indiana school considers opening college of osteopathic medicine in Kansas
November 30, 2011

Topeka — An out-of-state school is looking at possibly opening a college of osteopathic medicine in Kansas.

Indiana Wesleyan University President Henry Smith was quoted in that college’s newspaper as saying, “Currently, we are getting good support from a wide constituency in Kansas. However, we are still in the planning and exploration and do not have approval as of yet to actually establish a COM (College of Medicine).”

Kansas Board of Regents staff said that IWU is looking at possibly purchasing land in south Johnson County for the college. IWU has said it hopes to have its college open by fall 2015.

Officials at Kansas University, which operates a College of Medicine in Kansas City, Kan., have no comment on the proposal at this time.

C.J. Janovy, director of communications for the KU Medical Center, said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, and KU Med Center Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Atkinson are scheduled to meet with IWU officials soon.

Bob Williams, executive director of Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine, said on Wednesday that IWU has been in contact with the association and that the association supports the proposal.

Williams said it is not unusual for a school in one state to seek to branch out to another state and that the Kansas City-area makes sense for a college of osteopathic medicine because of its central location and the need to train more primary care physicians in the region.

He said IWU is in the exploratory phase of the proposal. “It’s a very expensive, complicated process that you have to go through,” Williams said.

Originally published at:

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/nov/30/statehouse-live-indiana-school-considers-opening-c/