Ferris State Michigan College of Optometry leaders Jennifer Schad, Lillian Kalaczinski earn state honors
Two leaders at Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry have earned recognition from Michigan's leading professional optometry organization, with one claiming the state's top individual honor in the profession.
Dr. Jennifer Schad, MCO’s associate dean of Clinical Education, received the Michigan Optometric Association's Optometrist of the Year award at the Great Lakes Eye Care Conference in Ann Arbor.
The organization recognized Schad for her eight years of service on the association's board of directors and her sustained advocacy for the optometric profession across Michigan.
Schad's efforts extend beyond classrooms. She spent more than a year developing the concept for a pediatric vision clinic at Mott Children's Health Center in Flint, a partnership between MCO and the Genesee County facility that launched last spring.
The clinic brings routine and medical eye care to children served by Mott, which has provided pediatric health services in Genesee County for more than 85 years.
Dr. Lillian Kalaczinski, MCO's associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs, received the MOA's Educator of the Year award, recognized for her classroom and clinical instruction.
Kalaczinski joined MCO's administrative ranks earlier this year after serving as a faculty member and previously served on the MOA board as well.
MCO Dean Daniel Taylor said the dual recognition reflects the caliber of leadership at the college.
"It is a great honor for two of our three MCO administrators to be honored this year by the Michigan Optometric Association," Taylor said. "We are so privileged to have such excellent people at MCO. Drs. Schad and Kalaczinski are dedicated professionals who make MCO better each day through their dedicated work."
Ferris State’s Michigan College of Optometry is one of just two college of optometry in the state and one of only 22 in the United States. Established in 1974, it offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry program.
Students at MCO gain extensive hands-on experience through the on-site University Eye Center, which operates as a busy healthcare setting within the college. The state-of-the-art facilities include simulation rooms and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technology to prepare students for real-world patient care and board testing.
MCO actively serves the community through various initiatives, including the Students in Need of Eyecare program, providing comprehensive exams to local elementary students, and global partnerships with VOSH International and the Lions Club to provide glasses in underserved areas.