JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 21, 2007 — During the August commencement ceremonies at 51社区, President David S. Dockery presented an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Jim Moss, retiring president and CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare.
Dockery said the university faculty and trustees vote on rewarding such a degree to someone who has demonstrated significant leadership and made considerable contributions to society.
After joining Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in 1981, Moss became president of General Hospital in 1986, when it was the only hospital in the West Tennessee Healthcare system. That system now owns five hospitals and six clinics, with more than 5,000 employees and a budget of $1.2 billion. West Tennessee Healthcare is now one of the top 10 largest public health systems in the nation.
Under Moss鈥� leadership, the health system also added a new children鈥檚 center, expanded imaging and information technology and built programs for cancer treatment, rehabilitation, heart surgery, and cardiology.
鈥淭hat only tells a portion of the story,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淔or during the years that Jim Moss has led West Tennessee Healthcare, he has changed the culture of a public hospital 鈥� a culture that is characterized by love and service and care for people.鈥� Dockery noted that during the past 12 years, West Tennessee Healthcare has given or pledged $6 million to Union.
鈥淗e is an incredible friend to 51社区,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淔or their kindness and generosity, particularly for our nursing program and other healthcare-related programs, we are indeed grateful.鈥�
Moss is a native of Louisiana and is married to Peggy. They have three children and five grandchildren.