From Dr. Brian Kessler, dean of the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine:
As dean and a faculty member, I am pleased to recognize James E. Powers, D.O., FACEP, FAAEM, for his significant contributions to advancing and supporting the Campbell University community. His influence on the University and the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is without precedent.
His contributions span the education continuum, inspiring students to consider osteopathic medicine to become practicing physicians at the highest level. Dr. Powers has a distinguished career of enlightened excellence centered on service, community, and value-based education. He is a well-respected academician who serves the educational community in many capacities.
Dr. Powers joined Campbell University in 2015 as the associate dean for clinical integration and professor of emergency medicine. Jim has brought immense insight and dedication to CUSOM. In addition, his confident nature and humility have an enduring impact on our faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Powers is an active, effective educator of medical students and residents. He has spoken to countless individuals and groups of students about health care as a career, specifically emphasizing osteopathic medicine. The students he has educated over the years are the beneficiaries of his medical knowledge, professional wisdom, and inspiration. He spends considerable time with all he encounters and is well respected by those he mentors. Through example, many have learned how to practice quality medicine and contribute to their community and profession.
Dr. Powers is an energetic, skilled, astute clinician who serves as a teacher and mentor to countless osteopathic medical students. He has taught in settings ranging from one-to-one at the bedside to large conferences. He has impacted medical education at the local level and, through his work at the national level, ensures the best possible medical education is available where it is needed most. In addition, his work at the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) has helped establish educational standards that impact all osteopathic students in training, from safeguarding quality programs to accreditation and beyond.
Dr. Power’s visionary leadership has brought about the progress of CUSOM through the accreditation processes of the AOA. He has been actively involved in championing the innovative clinical education curriculum and has supported the creation and implementation of educational paradigms that serve the needs of our students and future physicians in practice. In addition, he initiated the involvement of CUSOM students in Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT) training, integrating them further into the health services infrastructure to better serve the students’ educational needs. As Interim Dean, Dr. Powers advocated quality education and inter-professional collaboration, culminating in integrating educational needs for medical, physician assistant, nursing, and other health professions at the graduate and postgraduate levels.
Executive leadership has been Dr. Powers’ most significant contribution to higher education. I have witnessed Dr. Powers’ dedicated service as an educator, administrator, and mentor. Dr. Powers is a skillful leader and experienced executive who continues to serve others through tireless endeavors and activities on- and off-campus. He interrelates well with others, is diligent, and is committed to the institution’s mission. Jim’s career and personal values are consistent with the core ideologies of a respected and skilled administrator. He has made enduring and profound contributions to the academic community through action and deed. Jim is extraordinary, showing dedication to his work, compassion, humility, and devotion to all he meets. He is a mentor of acknowledged expertise and honesty, reflecting his integrity and personality. For these reasons, and based upon his enduring accomplishments and commitment to those he serves, I feel Dr. Powers is deserving of this accolade.
Undoubtedly, Dr. Powers has a proven track record as a valuable and productive executive team member at CUSOM. As a speaker, Dr. Powers is engaging, enthusiastic, and consistently performs at a level of excellence. His reputation, along with his academic and administrative skills, exceeds the qualifications necessary to be endorsed for this distinction. As others have witnessed, Dr. Powers’ inviting personality and confident nature have a lasting impact on all he meets. He has the strength to champion collaboration and creates a safe space among students, faculty, and administrators that allows for transformative practice and innovation.
Most importantly, his ability to promote a culture of excellence through interprofessional cooperation is without precedent. In addition, Dr. Powers’ service to his University, profession, and community is noteworthy. I am exuberant that Dr. Powers will be recognized for his dedication, and I am confident he will continue to impact teaching, service, and learning for all profoundly. I highly recommend and support James E. Powers, D.O., for this recognition without any reservations. He will continue to contribute positively to Campbell University, and I look forward to seeing him as a continued senior administrator and educational leader. Should there be questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you, Dr. Powers!