Chen named Student Affairs Assistant Dean

(TEMPLE, TEXAS) — T. Samuel (Sam) Shomaker, M.D., J.D., Dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, announces the appointment of Wei-Jung A. Chen, Ph.D., as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for the Temple Campus of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

As Assistant Dean, Dr. Chen will serve as the interface between the College of Medicine administration and students; counsel students concerning academic, personal and professional issues; and assist in the planning and oversight of special events. Dr. Chen will also oversee the maintenance of students’ records; serve as the contact in Temple with the HSC Office of the Registrar; and oversee compliance with LCME, AAMC, and College of Medicine and HSC rules and guidelines regarding student services.

Dr. Chen has taught in the gross anatomy course for more than a decade and has served as course director since 2006. In this role, his creative teaching innovations have allowed the course to become one of the most recognized in student accomplishment and appreciation. Dr. Chen has also served on multiple College of Medicine committees. He has served as Co-Director for Phase I and now serves as a group leader in the LCME preparation. When instructors were needed in the Joint Admissions Medical Program, Dr. Chen volunteered, and without his support, the summer program could not exist.  Dr. Chen has been repeatedly recognized by the student body as “Class Friend,” and he has hooded graduates at Commencement. In 2002 he received the college’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

Dr. Chen received his Ph.D. in Psychobiology with a major in neuroscience and a minor in developmental psychobiology from the State University of New York in 1992.  Dr. Chen joined the College of Medicine in 1999, and in addition to his new role as Assistant Dean, he will continue to serve as an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics and enhance his impressive service to the College of Medicine.