Hank Bounds, Ph.D., wants to help UNMC tell its story.
The new president of the University of Nebraska was on the UNMC Omaha campus last week, visiting campus leaders and learning about the strengths, challenges and opportunity for global impact help at the med center.
Dr. Bounds, who was on campus Wednesday and Thursday, said the visit allowed him to begin to build relationships with UNMC leaders, faculty and staff that will make him a better advocate for the medical center in the boardroom, at the capital, and in the community.
“It doesn’t take one long to understand that this is truly a world-class institution that is making an enormous difference both in the state of Nebraska and nationally and globally,” Dr. Bounds said.
Dr. Bounds said he was proud of the work that goes on at UNMC.
“The way this campus is being innovative and really looking over the horizon for the next cure, figuring out how to meet the needs of patients — it’s such a patient-centered organization,” he said. “Every time I come here, I learn more about just how good this place is, so part of my work in the weeks ahead will be to help tell the UNMC story.”
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said it was an honor to host Dr. Bounds.
“I have been incredibly impressed with the depth of his knowledge about academic health care centers, how his experiences in Mississippi have really positioned him very well to understand not only what our strengths are, but where the opportunities for growth are, where we can build a future,” Dr. Gold said.
Personally meeting with UNMC campus leaders and students also will give Dr. Bounds insight into the UNMC community, Dr. Gold said.
“Breaking bread with them, understanding where they grew up, how many children they have, where their parents live, how much this campus and this community means to them, is always really important to building an understanding of our true potential,” Dr. Gold said.