Andrea Fischer Newman and Frank Newman Research Professorship celebrated

Kevin Chen, M.D., became the first Andrea Fischer Newman and Frank Newman Research Professor of Neurosurgery, which was celebrated at a ceremony and reception in the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Building.

The professorship was established to support a faculty member who delivers exceptional care, while also advancing education, research, and innovation in neurosurgery.

As the Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Thomas Wang, said: “Professorships are one of the most significant honors that we can bestow at our medical school. They recognize outstanding achievement and provide truly lasting support that helps the faculty to expand their impact across all our missions.  The professorships also reflect a vital partnership between philanthropy and academic medicine, which is why I’m so excited to recognize and acknowledge our generous donors.”

The professorship was endowed by Regent Emerita Andrea Fischer Newman and Frank Newman.  Andrea Fischer Newman is a University of Michigan alumna, attorney, and accomplished civic and business leader, whose career spans aviation, public service, and higher education governance. She held senior leadership roles at Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines and later served three terms on the University of Michigan Board of Regents, including as Chair, helping guide institutional strategy and strengthening academic and research initiatives. She continues to serve on corporate boards. Frank Newman is a seasoned executive who served as Chairman and CEO of Eckerd Corporation and led companies in the healthcare and medical nutrition sectors. 

Together, Andrea and Frank Newman are deeply committed philanthropists, with a primary focus on Michigan Medicine, as well as significant support for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and U-M Athletics. Their dedication to advancing research is reflected in the Andrea Fischer Newman and Frank Newman Research Professorship in Neurosurgery and a second research professorship in partnership with Andrea’s sister, Jill, in memory of their parents, the Philip B and Myrna R Fischer Research Professorship in Neurology. 

Chair of Neurosurgery Dr. Aditya Pandey extolled their generosity, explaining that the professorship “creates an eternal impact on the lives of generations of patients while supporting the career of the brightest in neurosurgery.”

In her remarks, Dr. Eva L. Feldman described Dr. Chen as “a rising star in neurosurgery and neuroscience. He embodies what truly makes a compassionate neurosurgeon and a brilliant scientist.”

The professorship will support both Dr. Chen’s clinical and research efforts.  Clinically, he specializes in treating brain and nerve-network conditions by targeting misfiring circuits and using neuromodulation — implantable devices that deliver gentle electrical pulses — to reduce symptoms.  His clinical focus includes treating people who have movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, as well as people with chronic pain conditions.  Dr. Chen’s research focuses on using cell-based approaches to modify hyperactive circuits in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.