It is with warmest wishes that Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) announces the retirement of Stephanie Starks-Anderson, Business Manager of its teaching facility, Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic (CFAC). Following 41 dedicated years of service, Stephanie’s retirement will be effective June 30, 2020, leaving thousands of alumni and many staff members better for having worked under her guide at CFAC.
In February 1979, Stephanie was hired by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM, the former name of CPM prior to its acquisition by Kent State in 2012), as a jack of all trades. Over the course of her first 21 years at the College, Stephanie could be found serving as a clinical receptionist, working in the mail room, medical records, and even as a library assistant. In 2000, Stephanie rose to the challenge of becoming the Office Manager at Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic, a position she will have held through to the end of her career this June. As Office Manager, Stephanie has been at the helm of Clinic Operations, managing staff, resolving patient problems, monitoring physician schedules and overseeing office operations to ensure that the Clinic is running smoothly day-in and day-out.
For several of our faculty and administration, Stephanie has played a unique role in their journey: as students, they worked under her, and as physicians and faculty, have worked alongside of her. One alumnus to have had this pleasure is none other than CPM Dean, Dr. Allan Boike, a class of 1982 alumnus himself. “I am so proud to have worked with Stephanie in several capacities during her time at CPM”, Dr. Boike says, “Whether it was learning in Clinic during my time as a student, or in recent years, working alongside her, Stephanie has proven to be a dedicated colleague that creates a wonderful working and learning environment for our community.” Another expert on Stephanie’s career with the College is CPM’s former Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Operations, Dr. Bryan Caldwell. Dr. Caldwell, a class of 1989 CPM graduate, says it’s difficult to describe in a few words how much he treasures Stephanie as both her former supervisor and a true friend. “She was the ultimate team player with a desire to do what was right even when it was unpopular,” he recalls of his nearly 20 years supervising Stephanie, “ She was always willing to help students, and I can speak first-hand as I was a student when I first met her,” he remembers.
As she approaches her separation from the College and its Clinic, Stephanie reminisces fondly on journey with CPM. “During my time at CPM I have been able to master my skills in many different areas. Through levels of achievement, I have fostered skills that have helped me become more than an employee, and hopefully a significant addition to this company,” she recalls, “My biggest accomplishment of my forty-one years here has been the many friends and associates that I’ve made. I will surely miss my time at CPM.” The feeling is mutual as Dr. Boike wholeheartedly echoes her sentiments. “Stephanie’s long-time appointment makes her an extremely valuable member of our family. We will surely feel her absence and miss her expertise when she retires and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
The entire CPM community expresses their sincerest gratitude to Stephanie Starks-Anderson for her forty-one years of dedicated service. There is no doubt that no matter where her next adventure takes her, Stephanie will continue to make an impact on the world around her.
Photo credit: AReddQueen Public Relations and Photography, LLC.