Ann Arbor, MI — July 12, 2011 — You can hear the excitement in Dr. Stephen Bayne's voice as he talks about the "Road Scholars" traveling seminar across Michigan that he and 29 other faculty members from the University of Michigan's three campuses took this spring.

Bayne, professor and chair of the School of Dentistry’s Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, and Janet Kinney, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, were part of this special group.

"Transformational. That is the word I use when I talk about the trip," Bayne said. "It was probably the most exciting and most rewarding experience of my academic career." He was so enthralled with the experience that, in a letter to Provost Philip Hanlon, Bayne wrote, "my cell phone was turned off most of the time and I did not log onto my computer for five whole days. Read Bayne's letter to Provost Hanlon.

Created in 1999 by the Office of the Vice President for Government Relations, the five-day Road Scholars program included stops in Lansing, St. Ignace, Traverse City, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. In each community, the 30 U-M faculty members met with business and civic leaders, parents, students, and residents to learn about the challenges those communities are facing.

"I have traveled through each of these communities previously," Bayne said, "but this experience was special because we had opportunities to stop and talk to so many people which gave us insights you don't get when you just drive through." The discussions with community residents revealed more detailed information that "was similar to peeling an onion," he added.

Kinney agreed, saying she better understands the complexity of issues facing those in the Michigan communities she visited. "I better appreciate how students who are here at the School of Dentistry may have been affected by some of the issues they faced in their communities as they were growing up," she said.

Listen to Dr Bayne and Janet Kinney's comments

One-to-One Conversations
In Lansing, for example, Road Scholars not only met with legislators to discuss budget challenges, they also toured GM's Delta Township assembly plant, one of the most advanced in the world. In St. Ignace, they met with the liaison of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and with members of the Indian Youth Council. In Traverse City, they met with young professionals and entrepreneurs.

The stop in Benton Harbor included a visit to Whirlpool's corporate headquarters and a preview of their advanced technologies that will be used in the future. In Grand Rapids, they learned about public service and philanthropic initiatives. In Detroit, they visited Focus Hope, toured several schools, met with students who will be attending U-M this fall, and heard from the school district's financial manager.

We were always on the go everywhere we went because our schedule was so packed with meeting people and participating in programs," Kinney said. For me, the most important part of the tour was the opportunity for one-to-one conversations with people. I learned so much about each community, the concerns people had for their communities and their children, and their hopes for the future."

The conversations weren’t just a one-way street, however. In addition to hearing more about Michigans communities, Road Scholars explained how the University of Michigan is a resource for all people of the state. They outlined how programs, faculty, students, and initiatives are connected to the people in those communities.

"I told many about some of the projects and programs we have here at the School of Dentistry and how they might help," Bayne said. As a result of those conversations, he said he has "built a network of people I never would have known had it not been for the Road Scholars experience."

Bayne said, "meeting so many people who are so passionate about their communities and the state was a very humbling experience. It was moving to see how these individuals have invested their time and talents to improve the lives of so many."

Although it's not possible, Bayne said he wishes every U-M faculty member could have the opportunity to be a Road Scholar. "It will change how you view Michigan, its communities, and its people. It will be a transformational experience and one they will always remember."

Road Scholars Goals:

• Develop among faculty an awareness of Michigan’s distinctive geography, economy, culture, government and politics, history, educational systems, health and social issues.
• Learn about the communities that a majority of U-M students call home.
• Encourage service to the public and research to address state problems.
• Show how the University of Michigan is connected to the entire state.
• Introduce faculty to the Michigan some of them might otherwise never see.
• Promote interaction among faculty across the disciplines.

Source: Michigan Road Scholars