University News
Dr. Summer McGee, dean of the University’s School of Health Sciences, and Jill Bryant Mayer, a manufacturing CEO and member of the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Advisory Board, were among Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2019.
February 1, 2019
Summer McGee, 37, a national expert in health policy, healthcare management, bioethics, and the ethical issues surrounding chronic pain treatment and management, is one of the youngest deans of health services in the country. Since earning a Ph.D. at the age of 25, she has spent more than a decade working in healthcare, healthcare administration, and health policy.
Last summer, she was named the founding dean of the University’s School of Health Sciences.
"Even though our School of Health Sciences is new, the process of building what we think is the future for healthcare education took time," she says.
"It was very exciting to be recognized by Connecticut Magazine. I appreciate the acknowledgement of all the hard work and all the things that I’ve been able to do while at the University. It was a really thrilling, and very humbling, recognition of what I’ve been doing."Summer McGee, Ph.D., CPH
The culmination of nearly three years of collaboration and planning, the School of Health Sciences officially opened in 2018, and McGee, who previously served as chair of the University’s Department of Health Sciences, became its first dean. Months later, the School accepted an award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for its innovative approach to preparing healthcare professionals for the 21st century.
Cited as one of the top 50 healthcare management professors in the country, McGee has authored more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications, encyclopedia entries, book chapters, and commentaries. She collaborated with Milford Hospital to establish a learning laboratory partnership between the hospital and the University’s graduate students in healthcare administration.
In recognition of her work, McGee was named to Connecticut Magazine’s 2019 "40 Under 40" list of high achievers.
"It was very exciting to be recognized by Connecticut Magazine," said McGee. "I appreciate the acknowledgement of all the hard work and all the things that I’ve been able to do while at the University. It was a really thrilling, and very humbling, recognition of what I’ve been doing."
Also Joining McGee on the "40 Under 40" list is Jill Bryant Mayer, 37, of Cheshire, the CEO of Bead Industries – a fifth generation manufacturing company long recognized for its history of innovation – who is a member of the advisory board for the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.
The Charger Blog
The University’s Career Development Center recently hosted a first-of-its-kind career expo focused on the field of healthcare. Students were grateful for the opportunity to explore career and internship opportunities in their field and to connect with industry professionals.
The Charger Blog
The University’s third annual Media Day gave local high school students an opportunity to interact with professionals in the field while receiving an inside look at what it would be like to power their dreams as Chargers.
The Charger Blog
The Salute to Service Awards Ceremony recognized the accomplishments of student-veterans and military-affiliated students, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to support them. It brought together members of the University and local communities, as well as state and federal leaders, for an event focused on solidarity, support, and service.