FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2003

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

RAYLENE ROSPOND NAMED INTERIM DEAN OF DRAKE'S COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Raylene M. Rospond, associate dean for external pharmacy affairs and professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University, has been named interim dean of Drake's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, effective July 1.

She will succeed Interim Dean James Reynolds, who has accepted the position of vice president for academic affairs and academic dean of Midland Lutheran College. Rospond will serve as interim dean until a new dean is appointed through a national search.

In announcing Rospond's appointment, Drake Provost Ron Troyer said, "Ralyene Rospond has compiled an outstanding record as a teacher, scholar and administrator during her tenure at Drake University. She is well-known and respected among members of the national pharmacy educators profession. Her work as associate dean has prepared her for the role of interim dean. I am delighted that she has agreed to serve."

Rospond holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Creighton University and a doctor of pharmacy from the University of Texas. She joined the Drake faculty as associate professor and associate dean in 1997 and became chair of the pharmacy practice department in 1999. She has received numerous honors, including the Innovations in Teaching Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the Pioneer Award from Progress Industries.

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, which is recognized as a national leader in pharmacy education, has capped enrollment to ensure the quality of its programs. Each year, the college receives approximately 400 applications for the two-year pre-professional pharmacy program and accepts 150 applicants. Approximately 350 students apply each year for the 110 openings in the four-year pharmacy program, which leads to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.