Newswise — University of the Sciences president Dr. Helen F. Giles-Gee recently announced the appointment of Dr. Heidi M. Anderson as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Anderson comes to USciences after 11 years at the University of Kentucky, most recently serving as vice president for institutional effectiveness. She will begin her USciences tenure on July 1, 2013.

“Dr. Heidi Anderson was selected from a national field of well-qualified candidates,” said Dr. Giles-Gee. “I and the University community were impressed with her well-documented academic acumen, her understanding of the dynamic future of science and healthcare education on a national level, and her collegial leadership style. We have no doubt that she will serve this University well as it addresses its expanded vision for the future.”

Dr. Anderson has over 20 years of experience in teaching, learning, assessment and faculty development. She is currently responsible for Kentucky’s accreditation process and institutional effectiveness which includes strategic planning and assessment. Her research interests focuses on teaching and learning as well as design, development and evaluation of instructional methods and assessment. From 2006-2012 she served as associate provost for faculty affairs at Kentucky. She is a full, tenured professor in pharmacy and from 2002-2006, she served as assistant dean for education innovation at Kentucky’s College of Pharmacy. Dr. Anderson has mentored many pharmacy graduate students who are now contributing in their own way to the practice of pharmacy, pharmacy education, and enhancing patient care.

“With the continuing evolution of the healthcare system in this country, USciences is really positioned to be at the forefront of the changes taking place. The University has a talented faculty that spans the health sciences, clinical education, various research efforts, and the bench sciences, and together with engaged students is part of the solution.” Dr. Anderson said. “Having a background and education in the pharmacy field, I was drawn to the history and unique legacy of University of the Sciences as the nation’s first college of pharmacy. This is a truly wonderful opportunity.”

As an academic leader she has received several notable distinctions including being named a fellow in the charter class of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Academic Leadership Fellows Program as well as a fellow of The American Pharmacists Association. One of her most laudable honors is being appointed as a member of the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Board of Directors from 2006-2012 in addition to serving as ACPE President in 2010 and 2011.

Dr. Anderson, who received her BS, MS, and PhD from Purdue University, was selected following a national search. She replaces Dr. Russell J. DiGate who left the University in July 2012, and will be taking over for Dr. Peter Miller who is serving as interim provost during the 2012-13 academic year. Dr. Anderson is a native of Gary, Indiana. She is married to Leon Roberts, Jr., who is a business/MBA graduate of Transylvania and Xavier universities; and native of Paris, Kentucky.

At University of the Sciences, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the science and healthcare-related fields. A private institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the science and healthcare marketplaces since its founding in 1821. Students in USciences’ five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in the lives of people worldwide through such disciplines as pharmacy, biology, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy. For more information, visit usciences.edu.

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