Feb. 19, 2024

Alumna Jennifer Schad Named Ferris State Michigan College of Optometry’s Assistant Dean for Clinical Education and Director of Community Outreach

Dr. Jennifer Schad, a Class of 2001 graduate of Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry, is taking on a new role at her alma mater, helping to strengthen public health and the college’s profile statewide.

Schad is taking on the titles of assistant dean of Clinical Education and director of Community Outreach.

Dean Daniel Taylor said the position supervises all MCO clinical education programs, ensuring students learn to become great optometrists through patient experiences. Additionally, as director of community outreach, Schad will engage the Big Rapids and statewide communities with eye health initiatives to enhance public health.

“Dr. Schad has 22 years of experience in patient care in multiple modalities, including behavioral optometry, cornea and contact lens and primary care optometry, has managed optometric offices, and has spent the last eleven years in optometric education,” Taylor said. “The position supervises all our clinical education programs, ensuring that our optometry students learn to become great optometrists through their patient experiences.”

During her two-plus decades of experience, Schad has taught in classes and clinically and has served as chief of the MCO Primary Care Clinical Service since 2022. Taylor added Schad’s experience in patient care, office management, student education, and insurance and Medicare expertise makes her the “perfect fit for this position.”

Schad said she couldn’t be more excited about the college’s future.

“The MCO community demonstrates tremendous grit and that we are committed to excellence in education and patient care. We are in a building phase at the college and the excitement is palpable,” she said. “We are acquiring new, state-of-the-art technology, adding bright and engaged faculty members, and developing a new strategic plan to see us through the next five years. I am excited to be part of the great things happening at MCO.”

It’s a big step, but Schad sees it as right for her and what she believes she can help them accomplish.

“While leaving the faculty role is bittersweet, I knew that I could offer more to the program,” said Schad, who completed a Master of Healthcare Administration while she was a faculty member to enhance her teaching in optometric practice management.

“My experiences have helped prepare me for leadership opportunities within MCO and state and national optometric organizations. The knowledge and confidence I acquired through the MHA program solidified my decision to apply for, and ultimately accept this role.”

Schad, the 2022 and 2019 Michigan Optometric Association Educator of the Year, holds associate, bachelor’s master’s and doctoral degrees from Ferris State.

Click Michigan College of Optometry for more information about its academic opportunities.