Elkins Park, PA (May 20, 2014) – Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, president of Salus University, has appointed Janice Scharre, OD, MA, FAAO to the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Salus University is an internationally recognized academic institution offering a wide range of graduate and post-graduate degree programs for healthcare professionals.
In her new position, Dr. Scharre will work to promote and maintain a distinctive academic vision at the University. She will serve as the chief academic officer, in coordination with the President, and will be responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and assuring the quality of the University’s educational, research and academic support services.
Dr. Scharre brings 25 years of experience as an academic leader to her new position. She most recently served as the University’s interim associate vice president of Academic Affairs and facilitated the development of the Salus Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholars Program. Previous to her tenure at Salus, she was dean of optometry, associate dean for clinical education; coordinator for Rehabilitative Services and chief of Pediatric/Binocular Vision Service for the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute. As an advisor to the provost and chancellor at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, she helped to facilitate the graduate healthcare programs of optometry and physical therapy in their strategic planning and self-study processes. Dr. Scharre served on the Accreditation Council for Optometric Education for nine years and has served as a consultant on both professional and regional accreditation teams.
“We welcome Dr. Scharre as an integral member of the Salus leadership team as we set a new standard and lead the transition of American healthcare,” explained Dr. Mittelman. “She brings a history of success in key areas including academic affairs, research, program expansion, and creating collaborative programs. Her talent and depth of experience will help take this great University to the next level of excellence in health, science and rehabilitation education.”
According to Dr. Scharre, “I look forward to working with the Salus team to ensure the University’s continued growth and ongoing commitment to quality and innovation in interdisciplinary education and patient care.”
Dr. Scharre attended Northern Illinois University. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry and a Master of Arts degree from DePaul University.
Salus University, founded as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1919, today is a diversified, globally recognized professional academic center of learning that offers a wide range of degree programs in the professions of Optometry, Audiology, Physician Assistant, Public Health, Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Biomedicine and Occupational Therapy. There are more than 1,000 students, including PhD candidates, and more than 10,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, please visit www.salus.edu.
