A Look at the Past with Anticipation for the Future

The University of Bridgeport has embraced valuable changes over the past year. From new leadership to maintaining beloved community traditions, we recap everything UB accomplished over the past year and take a look at what we can expect for 2019.

Dr. Laura Skandera Trombley

Three New Colleges

Dr. Laura Skandera Trombley was named the University’s 10th president on July 1, 2018, succeeding long-time president Neil Salonen, who is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. President Trombley is an experienced administrator, and a renowned scholar and author. She is also the first female to serve as President of the University of Bridgeport. President Trombley began her administration with a major reorganization of the University. A variety of colleges, institutes, and programs have been consolidated into three new colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering, Business, and Education; and the College of Health Sciences. The College of Health Sciences unites seven programs under one umbrella. The college includes undergraduate and graduate programs in several disciplines:

  • naturopathic medicine (now renamed the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine)
  • chiropractic
  • nutrition
  • acupuncture
  • dental hygiene
  • nursing
  • physician’s assistant
  • health sciences (including undergraduate and graduate degrees in lab technology and health sciences)

UBSNM students already have access to dual degree programs in acupuncture and nutrition, and some students choose to pursue dual doctorates in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine.  The creation of the College of Health Sciences opens the door for future combinations of degrees.

Successful Accreditation Process

Renewing accreditation is a complicated and necessary part of maintaining a program’s academic status, reviewing and analyzing the current state of the program, followed by planning and making changes that improve the program. In 2018, UBSNM was due for a review by the programmatic accreditor – the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). After more than a yearlong process of evaluation and analysis, followed by a site visit by the CNME, UBSNM was proud to receive a sought-after goal: the maximum accreditation given by this accreditor – seven years. This is a mark of the quality of the program and the hard work of the administrators, faculty, staff and students who reviewed the existing program and have been continuously working to improve the program.

High-flying Board Results

Naturopathic students and graduates sit for two sets of board exams: NPLEX Part I tests students on their knowledge of the biomedical sciences. Students are eligible to take this exam after finishing their biomedical science courses, usually in the summer after their second year of classes. NPLEX Part II tests clinical knowledge, and graduates of accredited naturopathic programs are eligible. In August 2018, 100% of UBSNM students passed NPLEX I as first time takers, and 85% of UBSNM students first-time takers passed NPLEX II!

Other Highlights from 2018

In August, our very own ND student, Mansi Vera received the NMSA Natural Leaders Award at the Naturopathic Medical Student Association Conference.  A well-deserved recognition!

In July, Dr. Eugene Zampieron, founder of the UBSNM medicinal garden, pride and joy Sabal palm was recognized by the Connecticut Botanical Society for entry in the Notable Trees Database. This palm does not typically survive in the New England climate, but has been nurtured by Dr. Zampieron just outside the Health Sciences Center building over many years.

Upcoming Events

The 4th Annual Plunge – Every February, the UBSNM community honors World Wetlands Day with a courageous winter dash into our very own waterfront: The Long Island Sound. All are welcome!  We hope to have the University President join us this year!  

Philosophy Day: In this annual event, students, faculty, and staff come together to celebrate the principles that make naturopathic medicine unique. Guest speakers, garden sales and walks, and the Garlic and Ginger Feast make this one of the best-loved events in the UBSNM year.

Faculty Research Day: UB faculty and students present their research in an all-day event featuring poster presentations and keynote speakers. Last year five UBSNM students presented posters based on their thesis work, and several more students from the first and second year class worked with faculty member, Dr. Kim Sanders, presenting clinical research.

Vendor Day: This on-campus conference, sponsored by our Dispensary vendors, is a collaboration between chiropractic and naturopathic students at University of Bridgeport.

Commencement: Everyone’s favorite memory! At UB, the College of Health Sciences holds its own commencement each year. Commencement speakers are leaders of the integrative medicine profession. A favorite annual ritual is the recital of oaths by the graduating class from each program.

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