Celebrating the Professional Life of Dr. Michael Jennings

It is my pleasure to introduce to you Dr. Michael Jennings, recipient of the honor to deliver the 2024 UAMS Last Lecture.

Jennings received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his Ph.D. in Biophysics from Harvard University. He was a research fellow in the Biophysics Laboratory at Harvard and at the Max Plank Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt, Germany. He initiated his career as faculty at the University of Iowa followed by the University of Texas at Galveston. He was recruited by UAMS in 1995 as Professor and Chair of the department of Physiology and Biophysics (now Physiology and Cell Biology).

During his nearly 30 years of service at UAMS as faculty and chair of a basic science department, Dr. Jennings is ideally positioned to provide a unique perspective of the life of research, teaching, and service of PhDs in the frame of a medical school.

Whereas usually highlighted faculty of a medical school are physicians due to their dedication to patients and medical trainees, the work of Ph.D. researchers and teachers is not emphasized so often. However, basic and translational research performed at the laboratories of Ph.D.s underlies the national and international reputation of medical schools; and teaching of graduate and medical students by Ph.D.s assure their continuous educational goals. Thus, the impact of Ph.D.s is critical for medical schools to accomplish their mission of educate physicians and treat patients.

I am truly thankful to the UAMS Emeritus Society for recognizing the importance of research and education in our institution and for choosing Dr. Michael Jenings. Dr. Jennings has contributed significantly to the direction and vision of our department, the College of Medicine, and the University as a whole, during his tenure at UAMS.

Jennings stepped down as chair on June 30, 2020, when I was appointed Chair, but continued teaching until June 30, 2024, when he retired. He was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus. I am certain that from this post he will continue to provide his expertise as a leader, educator, and researcher.

Jennings’ professional achievements are extensive. And on many occasions, he has been the stone that caused the ripple, thereby amplifying the effects of his outreach.

I will now let Dr. Jennings tell us his story. But I warn you, Mike is very humble; thus, I suggest you pay attention and read between lines to fully appreciate the impact of his work at UAMS.

Here with you, our Michael Jennings.

Teresita Bellido, Ph.D.