Des Moines University announced nine faculty promotions. The promoted individuals represent five of DMU’s 10 degree programs, a medical specialty area and an academic support department for students and faculty.
John Bennett, D.P.M., FACFAS, was promoted to professor of podiatric medicine and surgery. He has dedicated his career to teaching students and practicing the science and art of providing care and comfort to patients experiencing foot and ankle disorders in the DMU Clinic – Foot and Ankle.
Jill Edgerton, M.L.I.S., was promoted to associate professor of library services. She is also DMU’s assistant director of the Center for Educational Enhancement and plays a vital role in supporting students and faculty in the ever-changing world of library services.
Angela Grundmeyer, D.M.Sc., M.S.P.A.S., PA-C, was promoted to associate professor of physician assistant studies. A graduate of DMU’s physician assistant studies program, she joined the university in 2011 as an assistant professor and senior clinical coordinator in DMU’s simulation center.
Hillary Haas, D.O., was promoted to associate professor of osteopathic clinical medicine. Also a physician in DMU’s osteopathic manual medicine clinic, she was an OMM fellow as a student in DMU’s osteopathic medicine program. She has a special interest in providing OMM to pediatric and post-surgical patients.
Dooyoung Lim, Ph.D., was promoted to associate professor of public health. He teaches in both the public health and health care administration programs. His research broadly focuses on evaluating health policy changes and their association with patients’ health service use and health outcomes from an economic perspective.
Heather Opseth, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C, was promoted to associate professor in the physician assistant studies program. She is a highly valued educator and colleague who recently helped lead a session in the Faculty Development Series to help faculty transition to the instructional technology on DMU’s new West Des Moines, Iowa, campus.
Julie Ronnebaum, D.P.T., Ph.D., GCS, was promoted to professor of physical therapy. Past recipient of a DMU Distinguished Scholar Award, she has a deep commitment to student learning, a robust research portfolio and an extensive record of institutional and professional service.
Rebecca Shaw, M.D., FACOG, was promoted to associate professor of specialty medicine in the division of obstetrics and gynecology. She is a leader in strengthening the obstetrics and gynecology curriculum at the university, including in pre-clerkship lectures, simulation labs and obstetrics and gynecology clerkships and rotations.
April Vargus, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C, was promoted to associate professor of osteopathic clinical medicine. A graduate of DMU’s physician assistant studies program, she provides compassionate care in the DMU family medicine clinic, instructs students and has served her colleagues as a member of the Faculty Welfare Committee.
