Scheman wants to build bridges with U. neighbors

Making the transition from working with Congressional staffers and New York Times reporters to dealing with the University and Philadelphia's local government may seem like a step down. But Vice President for Government and Community Relations Carol Scheman feels "genuinely blessed" to be at the University after serving three years as deputy commissioner for external affairs at the Food and Drug Administration. Her current position is a new one, developed by University President Judith Rodin and offered to Scheman in August. Scheman said her position will include the development of the University's relationship with the surrounding community and government bodies. But, she said that her job description is still "evolving." "It's important to let everyone in the community understand the process and how decisions are reached," she said. "Our relationship with the communities, from neighborhood kids to the Senators, is mutually important." Scheman said a lot of work has to be done to improve the communication and connection between the University and its neighbors, even though "a lot of ties are there already." One problem, Scheman said, is that "many sets of communities have many sets of dealings with and needs of this University." "We have to articulate what we do and what we don't do -- otherwise, we'll anger people," she said. Scheman added that the University community should be aware of the problems the Philadelphia community is dealing with, including drugs, crime and family issues. "We shouldn't be immune to them," she said. "Idyllic college campuses exist only in people's imaginations. But I am idealistic about communities making change happen." Scheman served as an FDA spokeswoman and dealt with outside groups and government offices in confronting issues ranging from silicone breast implants to nutritional labels on food products. In addition, Scheman said she played a large role in the creation of the Office of Women's Health as a division within the FDA. Scheman was also responsible for reviewing and signing press releases regarding recalls, approvals, and general day-to-day operation of the FDA. "We affected people's daily lives in an enormous way," she said. "People needed to be able to talk to the agency -- I put in a lot of time with that." Scheman said she decided to leave the agency because "everyone was just for or against the government." "[The move to the University] was exactly the right thing for me," she added. "I am becoming quite passionate about this University and I'm not able to work as hard as I want to unless I care." Before joining the FDA, Scheman worked for 13 years with the American Association of Universities (AAU). She served as vice president and director of federal relations there. In that position, she said, she "got to know university presidents very well." The AAU includes more than 50 universities, selected by the organization based on merit. In her position, Scheman said, she worked with former University Presidents Sheldon Hackney and Martin Meyerson. But, after working with many presidents, Scheman said she considers Rodin to be "the greatest." "This is a very lucky institution to have her," Scheman said. She added that she plans to work with officials within the University community in addition to Rodin, especially University Secretary Barbara Stevens, spokesperson Barbara Beck and Director of Community Partnerships Ira Harkavy.