UMES names interim Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has named Dr. Rondall E. Allen as the interim Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.

We’re told Allen is stepping away as dean of the university’s pharmacy and health professions school and taking over this new position immediately.

UMES President Heidi Anderson has tasked Allen with implementing the university’s strategic plan as well as developing and delivering initiatives that represent its current priorities. We’re told some of those include crafting effective student-retention strategies, identifying the university’s niche in the 21st century higher education landscape, expanding digital learning as well as degree programs, and exploring new ways to help students find career success.

Allen joined the UMES team in July 2015 as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Prior to that, he served as Associate Dean for Academic Quality at South University School of Pharmacy in Savannah, GA.

Dr. Sean Vasaitis, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and an associate professor, will serve as interim dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.