WMU News

Board approved appointments

Dec. 19, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- The appointments of several staff members were approved Dec. 19 by the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees.

Two new employees are taking positions in the Sindecuse Health Center: Scott P. Musial as chief pharmacist, effective Jan. 2, 1998; and Dr. Carol J. Voytas as a physician, effective Jan. 5, 1998.

Also appointed were: Laureen A. Summerville as director of staff collective bargaining, effective Nov. 3, 1997; and James B. Thelen as assistant general counsel, effective Dec. 15, 1997.

Musial began his career in pharmaceuticals at the Upjohn Co. (now Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc.) in Kalamazoo, where he worked in the quality control and quality assurance areas between 1985 and 1988. Since 1989, he and his wife have operated a small, independent pharmacy in Constantine. He also has managed a pharmacy in Centreville. Musial earned his bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Michigan and his master's degree in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. He replaces Douglas H. Dommert, who is retiring.

Voytas comes to WMU from Kalamazoo's Westside Family Medical Center, where she has been in private practice since 1983. She is board certified in family practice and a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians. She earned her bachelor's degree in zoology from the University of Michigan and her medical degree from Michigan State University.

Summerville has worked at WMU since 1993, serving the past three years as manager of wage and salary in the Department of Human Resources. She previously was employed as a human resources representative at Arthur Andersen & Co. in St. Charles, Ill. She earned her bachelor's degree from WMU and her master of business administration degree from Michigan State University. Summerville replaces Doreen A. Brinson, who resigned.

Also a WMU graduate, Thelen served as the vice president of the student government and a presidential intern in the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs and General Counsel. He went on to obtain a law degree from Tulane University and has worked for the past two and a half years as an associate attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone in Kalamazoo. He replaces Brian K. Kurzmann, who received a fellowship to participate in a 10-month study visit to Germany.

The Board of Trustees also approved the retirement with emeritus status of Charles D. Comer, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation, effective Dec. 31, 1997. He has been a WMU faculty member since 1968. In addition, the board granted the retirements of these staff members, along with their years of service and effective dates: Marcia A. Barnhart, director of career services, nine years, effective Dec. 31, 1997; and Walter Jennings, custodian in the building custodial and support services area of the physical plant, 11 years, effective Dec. 31, 1997.

In other action, the trustees accepted the resignations of these faculty members: Eric G. Shumsky, associate professor of music, effective Aug. 7, 1998; and Dr. Jonathan A. Silk, assistant professor of comparative religion, effective April 19, 1998.


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