Our medical school puts the highest percentage of graduates into pediatrics and family practice in the country.

In my 25 years in academia, I have never seen such a focused and effective response launched in a quicker amount of time.

In terms of self-confidence and faculty believing we can accomplish great things, it's a shot in the arm. ... It gives us an advantage in recruitment and tells students they can stay in the state and go to a great school. And I hope it gives our state citizens a boost, a point of pride.

That's why it's so exciting. It was not something we applied for. It's not a lobbying thing.