Beyond the White Coat

When Mary Schutten, PED, stepped into the role of Dean of Lawrence Technological University’s new College of Health Sciences (CoHS) last fall, she brought with her a clear vision to transform a new college into a thriving hub for care, collaboration, and community.

One year later, that vision is taking shape in visible and powerful ways. The excitement of incoming physician assistant students donning their white coats. Simulation labs are humming with new virtual reality technology. Faculty and staff are embracing a shared sense of purpose.

The signs of progress are everywhere.

“Community is built through collaboration and a shared sense of purpose,” she said. “When people feel a connection to a larger purpose, they’re more likely to contribute and feel invested in the group’s success. This sense of unity helps to create a ‘we’ mentality, which is crucial for building trust and collaboration.” It’s a principle that has defined her first year, dedicated to creating an inclusive academic home where students feel supported, faculty are empowered, and programs are poised to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.

Leading with Innovation and Care

Under Schutten’s leadership, CoHS has embraced a forward-looking approach to healthcare education—one that blends cutting-edge tools with the timeless values of compassion and equity.

The Simulation Lab immerses students in realistic clinical scenarios using VR modules, preparing them for the complexity of patient care in a safe, innovative environment. At the same time, Schutten has reinforced the human side of health sciences, ensuring that empathy, cultural awareness, and interprofessional collaboration remain central to every program.

This balance—innovation anchored by compassion—has quickly become the hallmark of the CoHS.

Even as the college experienced transitions among faculty, Schutten turned challenges into opportunities for unity. “Our shared dedication to students and to one another makes our college stronger,” she said.

Building a Vision

From the start, Schutten has articulated a clear, ambitious, and student-centered roadmap for the college:

• Student Success, Access, and Equity–A commitment to ensuring that every student is seen, supported, and positioned to thrive.
• Technological and Applied Learning–Investment in state-of-the-art simulation labs, VR modules, and applied research to prepare graduates for today’s healthcare landscape.
• Strategic Growth and Partnerships–Expanding opportunities through regional collaborations and building agile leaders to address workforce needs.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration–Breaking down silos to encourage innovative, holistic problem-solving.
• Cultivating Community–Creating a culture of belonging that celebrates achievement, embraces challenges, and thrives on shared purpose.

Her approach combines rigorous academic preparation with compassion, demanding excellence while reminding students and faculty alike that healthcare is, above all, about people.

“Our mission is to prepare students not just for careers, but for lives of impact, care, and service.”
– Mary Schutten, PED, Dean of the College of Health Sciences

Looking Ahead

As CoHS enters its second year, momentum continues to build.

New partnerships—such as with Henry Ford Health Providence Hospitals—are opening doors for students. A newly launched doctoral degree in Health Sciences is expanding the college’s academic offerings. Expert faculty and an energized student body are pushing the college forward with confidence and compassion.

Looking forward, CoHS is committed to shaping healthcare professionals and healthcare leaders with graduates who are innovative, collaborative, and deeply rooted in compassion. With its blend of rigorous academics, applied technology, and a culture of belonging, CoHS is positioning itself as a model for how higher education can meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector in Michigan and beyond.

“Our mission is to prepare students not just for careers, but for lives of impact, care, and service,” Schutten said.