BLD Alumni Board of Directors

Following fellowship training, he began teaching in Kansas City, at the Osteopathic Medical School (KCU) and is currently an Associate Professor of preclinical sciences, William Carey University Collage of Osteopathic Medicine in Mississippi, teaching in pathology, physical diagnosis, manipulative medicine, and histology courses.

His passion for laboratory medicine has given him an opportunity to lecture to students in medical technology programs, medical students, and physicians around the world, especially in resource poor countries. Current and past research includes HIV, Malaria, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and other projects which have resulted in publication / presentation.

He says “The practice of pathology and laboratory medicine is a complex and an integral part of the highest-quality patient care but is somewhat hidden from public view. Well trained laboratory professionals and pathologist are critical to ensuring quality, evidence-based, cost-effective medical care both nationally and internationally. To be part of that team is a privilege.”

On a personal note, his time at MSU provided a solid education and tremendous personal and professional growth, while on a campus that is like no other. I enjoy photography (especially macrophotography of plants and flowers that are so abundant at MSU), cooking, Tae Kwon Do, and mission trips, locally and around the world. 

My time at MSU was transformational and prepared me well for my professional career. Since graduating, I have continued to interact with my alma mater because I am grateful for the many opportunities and educational experiences I was provided as a student. I am a life member of the alumni association, a multi-year season football ticket holder, a continuous financial donor to the university, and Vice President of the Southwest Florida MSU Alumni Group Board. I have been very fortunate to continue to work with the BLD program including being an adjunct professor for BLD for over ten years. I was asked to create part of the initial curriculum for the inaugural Laboratory Operations Master’s Program which was a very rewarding experience. The program also required each student to complete a project relevant to the curriculum, and these projects were done on-site at local businesses and health organizations. For three years, I had the privilege of working with 3 students whose completed projects that not only met their classroom requirements, but also made a significant impact at the Red Cross as well. I was able to oversight their outstanding work and become a mentor to each of them. I was honored to be chosen to attend their project presentations and provide feedback. A few years ago, the curriculum was in desperate need of an upgrade, and I was once again asked to create course content to better prepare students as future leaders in the ever-changing clinical laboratory environment. For my work with the BLD Master’s Program, I was extremely honored to receive the BLD Distinguished Alumni Award.

I look forward to expanding my support for Michigan State and BLD as a member of the BLDAF Board. 

Cindy is a member of the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) where she has served on the ASHI committees of Technologist Affairs, Membership as Chairperson, and Quality and Standards as Chairperson.

Cindy is now retired and, in her spare time, enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She regularly attends Michigan State football and basketball games and Broadway shows at MSU’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Cindy previously served on the BLDAF Board from 2020 to 2023, the last year as President, and is excited about the opportunity to give back to Michigan State by serving on the BLDAF Board once again.

Bea Smith, MLS(ASCP) (BS ’77)
Board Term: 2023-2026
I grew up in a small town in southeast Michigan. I graduated from high school as valedictorian of my class in 1973. I attended St. Clair County Community College for 2 years and earned an Associates degree in science. I transferred to MSU in the fall of 1975 and entered the Medical Technology program. I graduated with a BS degree in June 1977 Magna Cum Laude and then did my internship at a local hospital. Upon successful completion of my internship and passing the ASCP certification, I was employed by that facility as a bench tech for over 20 years. I worked all areas of the laboratory, but my love was Hematology. I helped expand the serology area (probably equivalent to an immunology or special chemistry area in today’s laboratory) to include a number of tests using immunofluorescence. I served as backup supervisor to the hematology area and eventually took on the department supervisory role. I also served as backup to the LIS manager for a number of years. When our LIS manager left the institution in 1995, I made the decision to take on that role and left the bench. In the LIS manager role, I was a member of the laboratory leadership team as well as laboratory liaison to a number of hospital departments such as billing, medical records, information technology and hospital leadership. I served in this role for approximately 11 years. At the end of 2006, I was given the opportunity to join a consulting company as a consultant with Sunquest Laboratory and Copath Anatomic Pathology expertise.  In this capacity, I worked with a number of healthcare systems all over the United States. I found this very rewarding and met so many wonderful laboratory staff members.  I learned as much as I gave to these institutions always eager to learn how different facilities worked. I retired in the summer of 2021 and now enjoy being at home. In all that work, I met the love of my life and was married. We had twin boys who are now grown and on their own. One of them was married this past September to his high school sweetheart. Unfortunately, my husband passed away a few years ago. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and people watching from my front porch in the summer.