Newman University Professor of Biology Surendra Singh, Ph.D. was among 27 Wichita-area individuals and organizations selected for the “Health Care Heroes” awards for 2013 by the Wichita Business Journal. Singh was selected for the Lifetime Achievement category.
Health Care Heroes is a Wichita Business Journal program designed to recognize administrators, practitioners, educators, organizations and volunteers who go above and beyond to improve health care in Wichita and surrounding areas.
Singh is known and revered throughout the Wichita health care community for his many accomplishments, service to his students, and important contributions to the academic, scientific and health care communities of Wichita and the region. Over a teaching career that spans 44 years – all at Newman University – Singh has worked with colleagues to establish a highly respected Department of Biology. He provided leadership in the development and implementation of 10 degree programs at Newman in science and allied health, including radiologic technology, respiratory care, sonography, and more.
Singh started the pre-med program at Newman, which since 1969 has consistently placed 90 percent or more of Newman students who applied into medical schools. Over the past 10 years, the rate has averaged 96 percent. Newman graduates regularly place well, also, in applications to other health care graduate programs such as chemistry, optometry and physical therapy.
Singh also created the Investigative Summer Science Program, which just celebrated its 24th year, to encourage high school students to pursue science careers. He also created the Hispanic Scholars and Native American Scholars Programs to encourage students in those populations to graduate from high school and pursue a college education, particularly in the sciences. Singh has published internationally on scientific- and education-related topics, and won many honors, including the Outstanding Education Award from the American Association for Higher Education.
The 2013 Wichita Business Journal Health Care Heroes will be recognized at an award’s event Oct. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.bizjournals.com/wichita/event/81211. For more information about Newman University, visit www.newmanu.edu.
