Donald Lehman, a professor of the Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences, has retired after dedicating 32 years to his career with the University of Delaware.

Lehman originally acquired his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio before coming to UD, where he later received his Doctor of Education. Shortly after starting his career at UD as a laboratory coordinator, he moved into a faculty role as assistant professor and to professor through the years.

Over the extent of his career, Lehman became director for the forensics science minor, program director for the medical diagnostics major and minor, and a health professions advisor. Lehman specializes in microbiology and immunology.

Mary Ann McLane, professor emeritus of Medical & Molecular Sciences, first met Lehman in the late 80’s when working on melanoma research. McLane emphasized that upon meeting Don she noticed that “he showed himself as an absolute model of teamwork” at the university.

“He accepted just about every request that he received to be on a committee in need of someone to represent our department,” Mary Ann McLane said.  “With us being a small department, it was very important that we were included in various committees. He taught me a lot about the importance of self-less giving and team work to represent our department as it evolved.”

Lehman developed an immunology course to effectively fit the needs of students for the medical technology major. He taught the course and expanded and continually updated it. This ultimately led to further programs – even to the extent of a medical diagnostics major. Initially, there were 20 students in the class. It has now grown to 150 each fall semester.

Esther Biswas-Fiss, professor and chair of the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, explained Lehman’s effort to further expand the forensics science minor.

“Don engaged the forensics scientists’ community to draw in a variety of experts to teach classes important to this minor,” Biswas-Fiss said. “He brought in a former detective to teach Crime Scene Investigation, a forensic toxicologist and a team of forensics professionals to teach Introduction to Forensics Science, and several pathologists and medical examiners to teach Forensic Pathology. He’s also developed relationships with the Delaware Division of Forensics Science and Dover Airforce Base to offer internships for students.”

Additionally, Lehman has had a partial appointment with the Center for Health Profession Studies where he served as a health profession advisor. For the past two years until his retirement, he was Director of the Health Professions Evaluation Committee. This University committee of about 20 people – half UD faculty and half comprised of physicians, dentists, and other professionals in the field—evaluates University students applying to medical, dental, and optometry schools. In this role, Don oversaw the committee, recruited members, and lead the development of an online evaluation process using Slate. Previously, paper files were opened on all students. Don assisted with interviews of students applying to professional schools and preparation of their letters of recommendation. He also reviewed students’ drafts of personal statements providing suggestions for improvement.