Ferris alum­nus Dr. Steve Durst has been appointed to the posi­tion of Interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy effec­tive Oct. 1.

“I look for­ward to work­ing with the fac­ulty, stu­dents, and the sur­round­ing col­leges,” said Durst.

Durst earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Ferris, and his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Michigan. He has since been at Ferris in a fac­ulty posi­tion. He has been at Ferris for 24 years.

Fritz Erickson, provost and vice pres­i­dent for Academic Affairs, was directly involved in select­ing the new Interim Dean and has high hopes for Durst.

“Dr. Durst is the right per­son at the right time for the College of Pharmacy and for Ferris State University. His deep com­mit­ment to phar­macy edu­ca­tion and his ded­i­ca­tion to stu­dents is truly exem­plary,” said Erickson.

With the retire­ment of Dean Ian Mathison after 34 years of ser­vice to Ferris, Durst will step for­ward to lead the phar­macy pro­gram to new heights.

In the first week of August, an open call went out to any­one inter­ested in the posi­tion. Four can­di­dates answered, but Durst walked away with the position.

“I know Dr. Durst was the right choice because every other can­di­date pledged to work with and help Dr. Durst,” said Erikson.

Durst said he is look­ing for­ward to the oppor­tu­ni­ties that his new posi­tion has to offer, and the changes which will be hap­pen­ing in the program.

Currently there are relo­ca­tion plans to bring together the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo loca­tions of Ferris’ College of Pharmacy. The Big Rapids loca­tion will remain untouched.

There are also plans to hire seven new fac­ulty mem­bers this year, although this will not increase the 150-student enroll­ment in the phar­macy program.

After one year there will be a nation­wide search for a per­ma­nent Dean of the College of Pharmacy. Durst plans to apply for the position.

Durst has been active in the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation and the Michigan Health Council Board of Directors.

“Ferris is a great place for a fac­ulty mem­ber,” said Durst. He said while he will miss teach­ing, he looks for­ward to the changes and improve­ments he can offer the College of Pharmacy. n