Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Roswell Park has hired over 50 new faculty and staff leaders to its various departments. It’s new Chief Academic Officer is looking to diversify its student body.
Of the new hires the hiring of Jamie Smith as the Chief Academic Officer stands out.
The Buffalo native is setting out to expand educational opportunities for students interested in health sciences in an equitable way.
“Roswell Park has sort of kept it a secret all the educational prowess that we have and I'm here to change that,” she said. “It is amazing to me that growing up in Buffalo I did not know the opportunities that were here and now it has become my job to make sure those opportunities are put out there. So the people that are looking look like me who grew up in this area who go to high school in this area can come into Roswell and understand that they are a part of this community.”
What students do on their lab benches Smith said, could end up being what saves lives in the future, something which is unique to Roswell.
“We're actually producing rock stars and that's a great feeling,” she said.
Roswell is working with Howard University and City Honors to diversify the participants in their educational programs, a door Smith is hoping to keep open for years to come.
“I am happy to be a part of this team,” she said. “And I'm ready. Let's go. Let's get out there and let's grow our future.”
The more than 50 hires come in departments spanning Roswell’s organization.