February 11, 2011
by thernandezroseman
With a new name announced, and a new College of Dental Medicine opening in the fall, the Utah state legislature recognized Roseman University of Health Sciences during Tuesday’s session for its contributions to higher education in the state. Currently named University of Southern Nevada, the school will officially be renamed Roseman University of Health Sciences effective July 1.
Dr. Rosenberg (left) accepts the Official Legislative Citation from Sen. Peter Knudson on the floor of the Utah Senate.
Senator Peter Knudson of Brigham City (one of two dentists in the Utah Senate) presented Roseman University and its founders, University President Dr. Harry Rosenberg and College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Renee Coffman, with a State Legislature Official Citation in the Senate. Rep. Merlynn Newbold of South Jordan announced it to the House of Representatives.
The Citation, which was read on the floor of the Senate and signed by Senate President Michael Waddoups and Speaker of the House Rebecca Lockhart, says, “The state of Utah has long been a leader in promoting innovation in education while encouraging Utah students to pursue higher education. In 2006 Dr. Harry Rosenberg established the University of Southern Nevada’s first campus outside the state of Nevada in the city of South Jordan, opening a college of Pharmacy and a College of Nursing. The first graduating class from the South Jordan campus of the College of Pharmacy enjoyed a 100 percent success rate in passing the National Pharmacy Licensing Exam, an outstanding achievement for both the students and the University.”
Governor Gary Herbert met with representatives from Roseman University (USN), South Jordan City, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, and Utah legislators after the Citation was presented in the Senate and House.
It also recognized Roseman University as the fifth largest College of Pharmacy in the U.S. by enrollment, with over 900 total pharmacy students (250 at the Utah campus). The South Jordan campus has 39 additional students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN), and will enroll approximately 60 students in Utah’s first and only Doctor of Dental Medicine program (DMD) in the fall.
The Citation highlighted Roseman University’s accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a non-profit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the regional authority on educational quality and institutional effectiveness of higher education institutions in the Northwest region that includes Utah.
In addition to bringing higher education opportunities to the state of Utah, Roseman University’s construction of a new building for the College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan’s RiverPark Corporate Center will expand the campus to over 240,000 square feet, and together with equipment and finished improvements will result in an investment of over $40 million in the Utah economy.
According to the Citation, “The Utah legislature hereby recognizes…the Roseman University of Health Sciences on their success in establishing solid educational programs that help provide the state of Utah with medical and dental professionals. We commend you for your commitment to higher education in the fields of dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing, and wish you continued success in the years to come.”
Pharmacy students, College of Pharmacy Campus Dean Dr. Larry Fannin (front row, third from left), College of Dental Medicine Dean Dr. Richard Buchanan (front row, center), College of Nursing Campus Dean Dr. Marlene Luna (front row, third from right), South Jordan City Council Member Leona Winger (front row, far right), Dr. Bruce Woolley (Roseman/USN Board Member, back row, second from right), George White (Roseman/USN President's Advisory Council, back row, far right) observe the proceedings from the Senate gallery.
The event was coordinated by South Jordan City representatives, including Council Member Leona Winger (who is a member of the Roseman University Board of Trustees), and Mayor Kent Money. Several South Jordan City Council Members, including Council Member Brian Butters and Council Member Aleta Taylor, attended the signing as well, and city officials came to speak on the importance and economic impact of the University in the state and local area.
Several Roseman University administrators and students joined Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Coffman, including Dr. Larry Fannin, Campus Dean for the South Jordan College of Pharmacy; Dr. Marlene Luna, Campus Dean for the College of Nursing; Dr. Richard Buchanan, Dean of the College of Dental Medicine; and eight pharmacy students.
Audio and video recordings of the presentations are available online (you must have RealPlayer installed to view video or listen to audio):
Senate
Select the Time Certain – Knudson – Roseman University of Health Science recordings
House
Select the Personal Privilege recordings
Four USN College of Pharmacy students, along with two faculty, conducted free health screenings for legislators, lobbyists and staffers at the Nevada State Capitol building on President’s Day. An astonishing number of people took advantage of the screenings that included blood glucose screenings, which was made possible by the passage of SB72 during the last legislative session, and heart disease screenings that included blood pressure checks. Students also educated people about heartburn prevention and treatment, offering free samples of Prilosec. Pens, pencils, and other various and sundry items were also given out.
