The legacy of Wayne State University School of Medicine former Assistant Dean Jane Thomas, Ph.D., was celebrated May 8 at an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony debuting the Office of Student Affairs’ newsly renovated office, located on the third floor of the Richard Mazurek Medical Education Commons.
In memory of Dr. Thomas, her daughter Rebecca Thomas and son-in-law Peter Melbye generously supported the cost of the renovations to the office suite in her name. Dr. Thomas died on Nov. 28, 2016. She was 81.
Rebecca Thomas was among the guests at the open house.
"I know my mom would be extremely proud. Thank you so much. She would be really proud of the work that we are doing here. If our support of this renovation is helping students and staff continue in the path that she set out on, it's the least that we could do as a family,” she said.
Dr. Thomas came to WSU as an academic advisor in 1968. She later joined the School of Medicine as a counselor in the Department of Student Affairs in 1974. In 1992, she was appointed Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2003.
“We hope that the changes not only create a more positive, welcoming and inviting space for students, but also reflect the dedication, devotion and commitment that Dr. Thomas had for our student body,” said Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Career Development Margit Chadwell, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., who earned her medical degree from the school in 1994. "There truly is a legacy here. I've heard many times 'trained by Jane.’ People are very proud that they were trained by Jane. She had an impact. I know she had an impact and a lasting impression on me as a student. I'm really proud to be back and be here for this moment,” Dr. Chadwell said.
In retirement, Dr. Thomas served on the Board of Visitors, the Admissions Committee and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center Board of Directors, where she chaired the Quality of Patient Care Committee.
"Jane would be so happy to see the way this turned out. This is such a wonderful place. As everybody knows, students frequently are here when they're in distress. Having such a beautiful setting for them is great. One of the legacies that Jane leaves behind is very important. Jane was willing to take a chance on students who other people would not have taken a chance on. So that means there are quite a few doctors out here in practice who would not have completed medical school if it were not for her,” said friend and former School of Medicine colleague Robert R. Frank, M.D.
She also co-chaired the Wayne State University School of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, formed by Dean Jack D. Sobel, M.D., to address the lack of diversity in the student body.
"Jane cared deeply about the students and about this school. She is a part of what Wayne stands for. It stands for diversity. It stands for helping those in need. It stands for supporting those who may not get support elsewhere. And that really describes Jane,” added friend Herbert Smitherman, M.D., M.P.H., the school’s vice dean of Diversity and Community Affairs.
Dr. Thomas received her bachelor's degree from Rockford College and the University of Edinburgh. She earned her master's degree from the University of Michigan and her doctorate degree from Wayne State University. She was a Detroit Public Schools educator for a decade before joining WSU.