Women Who Lead in Higher Education: Lilian Nyindodo of Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine

If there ever was a time for leadership, the pandemic and post-pandemic era has been that occasion. 

For Memphis Business Journal’s next group of Women Who Lead, honoring women who are in leadership roles at local higher education institutions seemed to be another logical choice.

From department chairs to deans and on to key C-suite executives and presidents, this group of Women Who Lead is educating — either directly or in support of their institution’s mission — the next generation, which could advance whole industries and subject areas.

Women Who Lead is an ongoing monthly feature in MBJ sponsored by Paragon Bank.

Lilian Nyindodo

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM)

Big things are in store for Lilian Nyindodo, Ph.D., including getting BUCOM off the ground, with the first class starting this fall. “As an advocate of health equity, it’s important that we educate empathetic physicians who will serve our community that has various health equity issues.”

Giving back to the community is Lilian life’s mission and calling, so it makes sense that starting the Baptist Health Sciences University HealthCORE initiative is her biggest career achievement. CORE stands for Community outreach, One-on-one mentoring, Real-life experience, and Educational support. With the university a part of a large health care system, this initiative allowed Lilian and team to consolidate several independent programs to maintain their intentionality in supporting future health professionals.

As co-chair of HealthCORE, Lillian also supports community programming such as Black Men in White Coats, STEM Summer Camp, SHE Leads the Way, and mentoring.

Quotable

“There is currently a shortage of health care workers. What is deeply concerning is there’s also a decline in interest in STEM programs, including health care among middle and high school students. This means our pipeline is at risk. We have to invest in future health professionals to grow the pipeline.”