Since 2001, MCG has nearly doubled its research funding, implemented seven new educational programs, recruited exceptional faculty members, constructed several new buildings, seen a 20 percent increase in student applications and upgraded its clinical care, to cite just a few accomplishments, President Rahn said.
Those accomplishments are particularly noteworthy, he said, in light of unprecedented challenges such as budget cuts, economic downturns and ever-rising health care costs. “The challenges we faced in 2001 were formidable,” President Rahn said. present, our state appropriation represents 25 percent of our core operating budget. But by working with dedication and focus, we’ve been able to leverage that investment to create great returns for the citizens of the state. For every dollar the state invests in MCG, we generate three.”
The success, he said, lies in focus.
“In [my administration’s] earliest planning sessions, we articulated a vision for the Medical College of Georgia—a shared institutional desire to become one of the nation’s premier health sciences universities,” President Rahn said. “And every day over the past four years, we’ve taken another step in that direction. We’ve navigated our way through choppy seas to become a better institution, a stronger institution, a more dynamic institution—an institution better positioned to make an extraordinary impact on the health of the people of this state and nation.”
That focus is apparent in every aspect of MCG’s mission. For instance, “our research enterprise is on an upward trajectory due to our unwavering commitment to create a thriving and productive environment for discovery, and due to our commitment to be among the best in the world in our chosen areas of focus,” President Rahn said.
He
also noted achievements in areas including education, clinical care and
facilities. “Essentially, MCG is rebuilding the entire campus, either by
erecting new structures or by renovating existing space.”
The constant change that has characterized the past four years is here to stay, he said. “We’ll always be in state of flux, and we must be nimble enough to make adjustments along the way.”
The past four years, he said, have convinced him that MCG can weather all challenges. “Whatever our institutional pursuits,” he said, “I will never step away from my commitment to provide maximum support of faculty, staff and students to accomplish the good work of the Medical College of Georgia. Because while the institution has accomplished a lot, we must remember that we are the institution.”
Editors Note: For the full text of President Daniel W. Rahn's 2005 State of the University Address, visit http://www.mcg.edu/admin/state2005.asp.
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