Jefferson Jefferson College of Health Professions
Welcomes New Acting Dean and Associate Dean

Philadelphia, PA, February, 2002 - Effective January 1, 2002, James B. Erdmann, PhD, was appointed the new Acting Dean of the Jefferson Jefferson College of Health Professions by Paul C. Brucker, M.D., President of the Thomas Jefferson University. Effective the same date, Raelynn Cooter, PhD, was appointed the Associate Dean for Administration of the Jefferson College of Health Professions. Both Dr. Erdmann and Dr. Cooter bring to their new positions considerable experience at the University, having been part of Jefferson's administration for about 15 years. They look forward to working with faculty and students to enrich a program that has already earned a national and international reputation for the education of leaders in the nursing and allied health professions.

James B. Erdmann, PhD, joined Thomas Jefferson University as Associate Dean for Administration and Special Projects of Jefferson Medical College in 1987. He assumed the role of Associate Dean of Administration and Registrar in 1990, University Registrar in 1997, and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in 2001. Dr. Erdmann is also a Professor in the departments of Medicine, and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences of Jefferson Medical College. Prior to joining Jefferson, Dr. Erdmann was the Director of the Division of Educational Measurement and Research at the Association of American Medical Colleges, Washington, D.C., and Clinical Associate Professor at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Previously, Dr. Erdmann was Associate Professor of Medical Education and Educational Psychology at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, and Acting and Associate Director of the Loyola Psychometric Laboratory and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Erdmann received his doctorate and master's degree in Psychological Measurement and Cognition from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois. His honors include Who's Who in America in 2000, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare in 1995, Who's Who in the World in 1988 and Who's Who in Health Care in 1977. Dr. Erdmann is currently a member of the American Educational Research Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges, and has served on many committees of and consulted with various educational institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

Raelynn Cooter, PhD, will also assume the role of Interim University Registrar. Dr. Cooter joined the University as Coordinator of the Office of Financial Aid at Jefferson Medical College in 1984, assumed the role of Jefferson Medical College's Director of Financial Aid in 1991, and Director of the University Financial Aid Office in 1997.

As Associate Dean for Administration, Dr. Cooter will share in the management of the College and coordinate the activities of the dean's staff. She will have direct supervisory responsibility for Admissions, Student Affairs, and the University Activities Office. As Interim University Registrar, she will oversee the operations of the University Registrar and Financial Aid Offices.

Prior to joining the University, Dr. Cooter was the Coordinator of Financial Aid at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York. Her primary responsibility was financial aid for the National Technology Institute for the Deaf, one of the colleges within Rochester Institute of Technology. Dr. Cooter also worked in the Registrar's Office at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.

Dr. Cooter received a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Oswego, a master's degree in Human Services Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology and her doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Jefferson College of Health Professions of Thomas Jefferson University, founded in 1969 and located in the heart of Philadelphia, provides innovative academic programs to a highly qualified, culturally diverse student population, with the primary goal of developing outstanding professionals and future leaders in health care. The College offers fully accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in diagnostic imaging, laboratory sciences, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy. In addition, the College offers selected health certificate programs and associate degrees in the Department of General Studies.

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