Great people accomplish great deeds
Posted: March 11, 2016
“Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.” – Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell
As ATSU continues on the path toward preeminence, the University relies on the talent of individuals who are dedicated to its mission. An accomplished dentist with a well-established practice in Tucson, Ariz., Manuel Bedoya, DMD, embodies the expertise and compassion that aligns with ATSU’s core values. His journey on the Board of Trustees has been filled with pride and great hope for the University’s future.
Dr. Bedoya was approached to join the board in 2004.
“I was deeply honored but apprehensive,” says Dr. Bedoya, who graciously accepted the position. “I was unfamiliar with the inner workings of a board. It was a completely new experience for me.”
As a board member, Dr. Bedoya helped lead initiatives including development of a new board governance model and establishment of MOSDOH and the new St. Louis Dental Education and Oral Health Clinic. He recognizes the importance of the talent and perspective each member brings to the board. He takes pride in the increase of diversity of the board’s members.
“Our board members come from so many different facets of the working world: finance, legal, healthcare, and they all have something to contribute to the success of the University,” Dr. Bedoya says. “Having these different sectors represented allows us to make better decisions.”
With any success come challenges along the way. Dr. Bedoya recalled the arduous task the board faced in finding a replacement for retiring President Emeritus Jack Magruder, EdD.
“That was difficult,” he says. “With so many qualified individuals, it was hard to narrow it down.”
The board members united and turned their focus toward Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, who was appointed president in July 2012.
“It made perfect sense,” says Dr. Bedoya. “Who better to run the University than an individual who knows its heartbeat, knows the mission, and has the vision to carry this institution forward?”
For the future of the board, Dr. Bedoya hopes diversity continues to flourish, but also sees increased communication with students is key to its success.
“We don’t get the opportunity to work in classrooms with the students. We invite students to lunches and dinners so we can hear their concerns,” he says. “Having that link is important and can help provide them with the tools to be stronger practitioners.”
As Dr. Bedoya retired from his position as vice chair in summer 2015, his contributions to ATSU will be felt by students, faculty, and staff for years to come. He also left some advice to new members.
“Make this group of men and women of the board part of your family,” he says. “You will share experiences you would never expect. I’m proud to have served with these professionals.”