WSU to appoint John Crissman dean of School of Medicine

Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid announced today that he will appoint John Crissman, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. WSU's Board of Governors is expected to confirm his appointment at its next regularly scheduled meeting in March.

Dr. Crissman has served as interim dean since May, 1999.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Crissman will be at the helm of one of the state's most important institutions of research and education," President Reid said. "Considering the state of health care in the United States, he has a tough agenda ahead of him, but I have no doubt that his business acumen will serve him well in getting the job done."

John Oliver, deputy provost, reported the outcome a faculty vote which will allow the appointment to move forward. "Although it is unusual at Wayne State for a dean to be appointed without a nationwide search, nearly 80 percent of medical faculty members voted to suspend the search last week, paving the way for Dr. Crissman's permanent appointment."

WSU's administration expressed its gratitude for the cooperation of the AAUP/AFT and the medical faculty in the effort to speed the selection process by waiving the nationwide search.

"This action is yet another example of the renewed spirit of cooperation between the faculty and the administration," Reid said. "It shows that they recognize the potential benefits, to everyone involved, that may be gained by moving forward quickly."

"I am gratified that the university and faculty have faith in me and my vision for the School of Medicine," Dr. Crissman said. "I am looking forward to continuing our strong educational and research mission."

Dr. Crissman's far-reaching vision for the medical school includes:

• Working with the school's clinical partner, The Detroit Medical Center, in building a strong clinical program, paving a path toward a university hospital concept;

• building and expanding relationships with hospitals throughout southeastern Michigan for education and research opportunities;
  developing financial resources and improving support systems to continue the School of Medicine's ascension toward the ranks of top-notch medical research;

• organizing faculty members into a coordinated practice plan that will allow the school to better use its clinical strengths; and

• spreading the word about the school's integral role in providing first-rate education to tomorrow's physicians, cutting-edge research and high-quality care to the community.

While chairing the pathology department from 1990 to 1998, Dr. Crissman consolidated DMC University laboratories into an operation that now grosses $18 million annually.

As a researcher, Dr. Crissman focused on the study of cancer and the spread of malignant tumors. He has written more than 250 papers and chapters in books. Dr. Crissman previously served as professor of pathology and director of surgical pathology at the University of Cincinnati, vice chairman of pathology at Henry Ford Hospital and in several positions at WSU.

From 1968 to 1970, he was captain of the department of radiobiology for the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base. He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.