The Office of Public Affairs, reporting directly to the Chancellor, is responsible for coordinating the strategic communications and advocacy strategies of the campus.
The office oversees media relations and publications, and works closely with the web development, alumni affairs, fundraising, admissions, and academic units to tell the UMass Dartmouth story in a manner that builds public and private support; and attracts talented faculty, students, and staff to campus.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth commemorated 25 years of excellence in education and service of its Medical Laboratory Science Department, highlighting partnerships with area hospitals and bio-tech companies, including Abbott Laboratories, which donated a $150,000 laboratory device to the department last fall.
“The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Medical Laboratory Science program has built a nationwide reputation for excellence,’’ Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack said. “This is a day to celebrate the expert faculty of the department and the partnerships that have helped the program turn out high quality graduates now serving in laboratories throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.’’
Highlighting the celebration attended by students, alumni, faculty and partners from the health care and life sciences industries, was a public recognition Abbott Laboratories’ donation of a $150,000 Cell-Dyn 3200 under the company’s Labs Are Vital program. The device performs 20 tests on a single sample blood and identifies illnesses such as leukemia and anemia. The company also donated the costs of maintaining the high-tech equipment.
“The instrument is Abbott’s top-of-the-line and comes with expensive supplies and service,’’ said MLS Department Chairperson James Griffith. “There is no doubt that patients will get better and more accurate diagnostic laboratory results by having UMass students train with this wonderful technology. This great effort from a great company makes it more possible for UMass to be the best in serving our students and the region.”
Abbott Laboratories launched the Labs Are Vital Program to support the education of medical laboratory scientists who are an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment process. Over 70 percent of data that a doctor uses to make a diagnosis is taken from information derived by a medical laboratory scientist.
“It was very helpful to have the experience with this instrument in the fall,’’ said MLS senior Renee Watkins. “It helped me understand the concepts presented in lecture and made for a smooth transition to the experience at my clinical affiliate. It also gave me the confidence to investigate the inner-workings of a similar instrument and trouble-shoot a problem during my clinical rotation.”
The MLS program is considered to be one of the best of its kind in the country. With a current estimated 12 percent shortage of medical laboratory scientists, the University hopes to spread awareness, and attract more students to the program. The MLS department has more than 500 alumni, and currently has 140 students enrolled in the program.