Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Riverpoint Presence
Dr. Ron Dalla, the incredibly nice interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, will take over as the new executive dean of EWU's Riverpoint campus. He will hold down the position on an interim basis, playing a key role in enhancing Eastern's presence in downtown Spokane.
Dalla has been with Eastern in various capacities since 1970, and is widely respected around campus and the community for his experience in strategic planning.
Many think he's the perfect fit for this position, as Eastern plans on making more connections with the downtown community as well as other higher education institutions in the region. Dalla will also help guide the transition of students and faculty from the old Higher Education Center in downtown to Riverpoint in the fall.
All of this, of course, is tied to EWU's commitment to the growing U-District at Riverpoint on the east end of Spokane. Within a few years, the University hopes to break ground on a building of it's own so it will no longer have to lease space from WSU for signature programs such as the College of Business and Public Administration - which includes the Department of Urban Planning, Public and Health Services Administration as well as programs such as the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis and Center for Entreprenuerial Activities. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Dental Hygiene are also key programs at Riverpoint.
EWU President Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo also plans to spend about two days a week at Riverpoint as things get rolling over the next year.
While the transition will be difficult and challenging at times, the right leadership is in place to make this a success story.
Dalla, by the way, will be replaced by Dr. John Mason as provost on July 1.
Dalla has been with Eastern in various capacities since 1970, and is widely respected around campus and the community for his experience in strategic planning.
Many think he's the perfect fit for this position, as Eastern plans on making more connections with the downtown community as well as other higher education institutions in the region. Dalla will also help guide the transition of students and faculty from the old Higher Education Center in downtown to Riverpoint in the fall.
All of this, of course, is tied to EWU's commitment to the growing U-District at Riverpoint on the east end of Spokane. Within a few years, the University hopes to break ground on a building of it's own so it will no longer have to lease space from WSU for signature programs such as the College of Business and Public Administration - which includes the Department of Urban Planning, Public and Health Services Administration as well as programs such as the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis and Center for Entreprenuerial Activities. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Dental Hygiene are also key programs at Riverpoint.
EWU President Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo also plans to spend about two days a week at Riverpoint as things get rolling over the next year.
While the transition will be difficult and challenging at times, the right leadership is in place to make this a success story.
Dalla, by the way, will be replaced by Dr. John Mason as provost on July 1.
