As a champion for disability rights, Brenda Premo was the founding director of WesternU’s Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy. Her work in civil and disability rights drew attention from prominent government figures, including President Ronald Reagan, who named her to serve on the National Council on Disability in 1986. In 1998, Brenda was charged with improving the capabilities of health care providers to meet the growing needs of people with disabilities, increasing the number of qualified individuals with disabilities who pursue careers in the health professions, and empowering people with disabilities to become more vocal and active participants in their health care through WesternU’s establishment of a center for students with disabilities.