Notables

Denise M.S. Willers, MD, a clinician renowned for patient-centered care and academic excellence, has been named the new director of the WashU Medicine Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

She will shape the intellectual agenda of the first new institute at the WashU School of Public Health.

WashU sophomore Courtney Lucas II has been selected by the Institute for Responsible Citizenship for its Washington Program, a selective, two-summer program for talented Black male college students.

WashU came in at No. 14 on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Large Employers 2026.

The Rev. Cara Rockhill has been appointed director for the Office of Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life within the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She succeeds the Rev. Callista Isabelle, who previously served in the role.

Philip Payne, vice chancellor for biomedical informatics and data science at WashU Medicine and chief health AI officer for BJC Health and WashU Medicine, will lead the American Medical Informatics Association.

Leaders from seven countries explored the WashU FARM initiative’s public health-driven research and global partnerships advancing sustainable, equitable food systems.

Sowande’ Mustakeem, associate professor of history and of African and African American studies, both in Arts & Sciences, will receive a 2026 Dred Scott Freedom Award March 7.

The nine-story Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Shot on WashU’s campus, the 110-year old film “The Maid of McMillan” is one of 25 films the Library of Congress added to the National Film Registry.