Scheman named to new gov't. affairs post

In one of her first acts as University president, Judith Rodin created a new administrative position to link the University with federal, state and local governments. Carol Scheman, U.S. Food and Drug Administration's former deputy commissioner for external affairs, will fill the new position, called vice president for government and community relations. Scheman, who has had extensive involvement in government, worked for the FDA developing policy and directing programs connecting the agency to Congress, as well as to local, state, and foreign governments. In that capacity, she also worked with the media and consumer associations. While with the FDA, Scheman directed the offices of public affairs, legislation, consumer and industry outreach, women's health and AIDS and special health issues. In addition, Scheman spent 13 years with the Association of American Universities (AAU) as vice president and director of federal relations. In that position, she worked with 54 universities who are members of AAU in an attempt to identify the major opportunities and needs of higher education institutions. Rodin said Scheman's experience with government combined with her work in higher education makes her a "remarkable woman," who is very qualified for the new position. "She had this combination that I thought was so unusual," Rodin said. "She stood out and was well recommended." Deputy to the President Jean Morse said Scheman was chosen from a "large" pool of candidates, though she did not divulge the exact number of original applicants. According to Rodin, two of the candidates held similar position at other universities. "She's perfect for us," Morse said. "We were very lucky to get her [since] she was our first choice." The new position will combine existing University resources to form one office that will deal with issues and concerns affecting the University's various constituencies. "All of us are mindful of how important our relationships are with governments and the community," Rodin said. "Keeping our resources scattered is not a good way to keep our relationships solid." Scheman said she is looking forward to "the challenge that this new position offers." Scheman is expected to move next week to Philadelphia from Maryland, where she currently resides. At that time she will immediately assume her new position.