FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2004

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

SHROFEL NAMED ASSOCIATE PROVOST AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY

Salina Shrofel, dean of the Drake University School of Education, has been named associate provost for strategic initiatives, Drake University Provost Ronald Troyer announced today. Shrofel, who will continue as dean, will begin her new position immediately.

As associate provost, Shrofel will work to complete many of the 71 tasks assigned to the provost's office in the University's strategic plan. "While progress has been made on many fronts, much remains to be done," Troyer said. "Indeed, some tasks need urgent attention. For example, we need to follow up on the agreements President Maxwell signed with other universities during last October's visit to the Peoples Republic of China."

Shrofel was part of the Drake delegation that visited China last fall. "Dean Shrofel is uniquely positioned to assume new responsibilities because of her contacts and travels in China and Malaysia as well as the initiative and skill she has demonstrated in developing new programs in the School of Education," Troyer said. "She will remain dean of the School of Education and I am confident that there are capable people in place who will assume some of the day-to-day duties in the School of Education."

Since joining Drake in July 2002, Shrofel has developed a new Urban Education Program and partnerships with the Downtown School and Wallace Accelerated Elementary School in Des Moines.

Shrofel said her new position will enable her to increase her contributions to Drake. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to take on new projects that will allow the provost's office to be more successful in attaining the goals set forth in the University's strategic plan."