“Wow, just wow.” The quote heard over and over again this past weekend as the first group of accepted students were given the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and get their first look at the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.
“Wow, just wow.” The quote heard over and over again this past weekend as the first group of accepted students were given the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and get their first look at the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine (SOM).
After a welcome from the founding dean of the school, Hershey Bell, M.D., the students and their families visiting for the inaugural Accepted Students Day were presented a curriculum overview, multiple tabling sessions, lunch, a vendor fair, tours of the simulation labs at the General Medical Education Building, and – perhaps the highlight of their experience – a tour of the new, state-of-the-art, $65-million School of Medicine.
“Welcoming the inaugural class to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is both an honor and a historic milestone,” said Jennifer O’Dell, Ed.D., director of Student Experience at the SOM. “This class is not simply the first group of students to enroll – they are the foundation of our school’s culture, traditions, and legacy. They will help shape what it means to be a student here and leave a lasting imprint on the institution’s future.”
This first cohort of students will begin classes at the SOM in July, and seeing students in the new building connecting with faculty and each other for the first time created an excitement not just for the students, but also the many who have worked so hard to get this far.
“The opportunity to turn vision into a lived reality, building something meaningful alongside students – nurturing their ideas, energy, and hopes, and co-creating a vibrant, fully engaged learning experience from Day 1 is very exciting,” said Yen-Ping Kuo, Ph.D., senior associate dean for Student Experience & associate dean for Curriculum Implementation. “The interactions helped us show students and their families that we are deeply committed to their success.”
One student shared his appreciation for the “personal touch” of the event, rather than just another “on-screen meeting” that is part of the interview process at so many other schools. “It’s been great to meet everyone,” said Alex Mostella. “Getting to see people in person and see the new building… being able to walk through the rooms, see the facilities and meet the faculty… I’m very excited to start this summer.”
The SOM was announced in February of 2023, had its groundbreaking in September of 2024, was officially accredited – and received the greenlight to recruit students – in 2025, and already has its first cohort ready to start classes this summer. It’s a monumental achievement in a short period of time that will change the course of healthcare in Fayetteville and the entire Southeastern N.C. Region for generations to come.
“This is especially meaningful because these students are stepping into something truly unique: the opportunity to be pioneers in a new medical school that is deeply committed to preparing socially accountable, community-engaged, compassionate physician leaders,” said O’Dell. “They are joining us at the very beginning of an exciting journey, and there is something incredibly powerful about saying, ‘You were here first.’”
From hearing more about curriculum and student support, to seeing the hands-on learning environments and how early clinical exposure will benefit them, students could truly envision their journey ahead to becoming physicians who will make a difference in their communities.
“What stood out most to me was the students’ genuine sense of purpose,” O’Dell said. “They were thoughtful, motivated, and clearly driven by more than just the goal of becoming physicians – they want to make a difference in the lives of others and in the communities they serve. I was especially struck by how engaged and intentional they were.
“They understood the significance of being part of an inaugural class, and rather than being intimidated by that, they seemed energized by the opportunity to help build something meaningful together.”
To learn more about the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, from its mission and vision to the admissions process to faculty affairs and joining the team, visit methodist.edu/medicine.