FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 4, 2005

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE APPOINTS SHUMAKER AS UNIVERSITY FELLOW

Dr. Robert W. Shumaker, director of orangutan research at Great Ape Trust of Iowa, has been appointed a university fellow by the Drake University Board of Governors. Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a world-class research center in Des Moines dedicated to studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes.

Drake's academic charter states that nationally prominent scholars who contemplate a continuing relationship with Drake may be honored with the title of university fellow. To university fellows, Drake provides a home base for research and study. Shumaker, who is teaching a course on Introduction to Primatology at Drake this semester, said he hopes to generate interest among Drake students in more in-depth course offerings as well as future research opportunities at Great Ape Trust.

"Dr. Shumaker's appointment as a university fellow marks the first time Drake University has had a formal association with a nationally prominent primatologist," said Drake Provost Ron Troyer. "Drake is in the process of developing a working relationship with the Great Ape Trust of Iowa. We hope the trust's presence here in Des Moines will create new and important educational and research opportunities for both our students and faculty."

Shumaker, who holds a Ph.D. in biology from George Mason University, has distinguished himself in the field of primate research, serving as the coordinator of the Orangutan Language Project at the National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution from 1995 to 2003, and publishing several articles and the book "Primates in Question: The Smithsonian Answer Book" (with Dr. Ben Beck).

Since moving to Des Moines in 2003, Shumaker has given seminars on the Drake campus and helped arrange for other distinguished primatologists to discuss their work with students and faculty, most recently working with Drake faculty and staff to host a full-day conference on the Great Ape Crisis.

"I am extremely flattered to be associated with Drake University," Shumaker said. "I look forward to a long and productive relationship that will provide many opportunities for Drake students who have an academic interest in primate studies."

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