Dr. William Strampel officially began a new job this week, hoping to carry on a legacy and continue moving MSU in the right direction.
Strampel, who was named dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine by the MSU Board of Trustees on Friday, became the fourth dean to lead the college.
Strampel succeeds Dr. Allen Jacobs, who died in December. Strampel is a professor of internal medicine and has served as the college’s acting dean since December. Prior to that, he was the college’s senior associate dean, a position he held since 1999. He also remains the lead medical director of MSU HealthTeam.
Strampel, who was born and raised in Saugatuck, earned a bachelor’s degree from Hope College in 1970 and a doctorate of osteopathic medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1976.
Strampel said he’s excited about the positive impact he can make with medical students and the university.
“I never really thought about becoming dean of the college from day to day,” Strampel said. “I was letting the university decide how they were going to continue exactly what (Jacobs) wanted to do.
“I’m really going to look at what the changing missions are for medicine and the school and I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities.”
Before coming to MSU, Strampel was a special assistant to the U.S. surgeon general for operations and readiness, and served as chief medical officer for the TRICARE Management Activity. He also served as director of quality management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Strampel, who’s been married 35 years, has three daughters and three grandchildren, and also is a retired colonel from the U.S. Army.
MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said Strampel and Jacobs worked closely together, which will make it easier for Strampel to transition fully into the job.
“It shows continuity in terms of the overall vision of the college as well as the continual positive momentum of College of Osteopathic Medicine,” she said. “I am very excited about his appointment.”
William Falls, associate dean of student services for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, said Strampel will do a good job of following Jacobs’ goals and moving the college in the right direction.
“I think the biggest things he’ll bring are a background with regard to business management and a good working knowledge of our post graduate education and clinical training,” Falls said. “The goals outlined for the college, (Jacobs and Strampel) did together. We all interacted as a team and will continue those goals.”
