Kathi Ferland Announces GSDM Departure After 38 Years
Last week, Dean Jeffrey Hutter announced that Kathi Ferland will be departing after 38 memorable years at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) to pursue and enjoy new opportunities. “Kathi has had a remarkable career at GSDM which has been characterized by enthusiasm, commitment, and kindness,” said Dean Hutter, adding “I think I speak for the entire School when I say we truly appreciate the many contributions that Kathi has made over the years.”
Ferland has been a fixture at GSDM as long as most can remember. She started working here in 1971, at the age of 19. Ferland graduated from Endicott College and throughout her career at GSDM has held a variety of positions including Administrative Assistant; Assistant to the Dean; Administrative Director of the School; Director of Administration; and her current position Director of Administration and Dubai Project Director. Dr. Thomas Kilgore, who worked closely with Ferland on the Dubai Project reflected, “On the one hand, I am so pleased that Kathi is moving on to pursue some fun things. On the other hand, I along with so many of us will look on Kathi’s retirement as a void in the fabric of GSDM. Kathi has been a significant factor in the growth and success of our Dental School. She has always had the best interests of GSDM at heart. I have never met anyone so cool under pressure. She is one of the most intelligent people I’ve met at BU. Moreover, Kathi has what former Dean Frankl would call ‘emotional intelligence’.”
Over the years Ferland served on more than 12 committees; served as Director of the Task Force for Faculty and Staff Development from 2000-2006; and has been a member of the Admissions Committee for the past nine years, a role she very much enjoyed. Assistant Dean of Admissions Catherine Sarkis says that, “Kathi’s dedication, positive attitude, and caring manner have distinguished her years of service at the School. Kathi’s careful and thoughtful contributions to the Predoctoral Admission Committee will be particularly missed.”
In 1996, Ferland received a Special Award from the GSDM Alumni for 25 years of service. In 2001, she received an award for Outstanding Service to the School. And in 2002, after being nominated by former Dean Spencer Frankl, Dr. Thomas Kilgore, Mr. William Gasper, and Dr. Marvin Cook, she was the first GSDM employee to ever receive the John S. Perkins Distinguished Service Award from Boston University. Dr. Steve DuLong adds that, “I have had the wonderful opportunity to know Kathi and her husband Steve since I joined the Dental School family as a D1 student in 1972. She has been a friend, a colleague, a confidant and an advisor. Under sometimes trying circumstances she has always displayed grace, intelligence, common sense, and class. I am happy for Kathi and Steve that she is beginning a new adventure in her life but I cannot express how much she will be missed here.”
Ferland affectionately refers to the School as her second family, a title not given lightly, as her actual family is a model of caring and support. Ferland has been married to her high school sweetheart, Steve, who she met and fell in love with at the age of 14, for 36 years. They have two children, Lauren, 28 and Chris, 24.
Ferland prepared a statement to share with the entire School community.
“Words cannot express the emotions that I hold in my heart when it comes to leaving the Dental School. I have had an extraordinary career and have been fortunate to work with Deans Goldman, Frankl, and Hutter. I am humbled to have interacted with world renowned scholars, educators, clinicians, researchers, wonderfully talented staff, and the brightest students. I feel gratitude to the many individuals that mentored me and cherish the relationships and friendships that have developed for me and my family over the last four decades. I especially wish to thank the collective GSDM family for supporting me during the last 10 years during my cancer treatments. It was a battle and without you, your prayers, and your love I would not be a survivor today.
So now it is time to live life to its fullest and enjoy the next chapter in my life that will focus on service to the community. I have been blessed and now it is time to give back all the joy I have in my heart. My immediate plans include exercising daily, having a huge vegetable garden, writing a book, expanding the activities of my cancer support group, and concentrating on enjoying my health. I guess my plate is still full! It has been a great honor to be part of a great University and a great Dental School. I know that the legacy of excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and the nurturing and enrichment of our faculty and staff will continue to foster a thriving environment for the future successes of the School.”