Trine names Drerup dean of health sciences school

Trine University has named Samuel Drerup, Ph.D., as dean of its Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, its fastest-growing academic school.

Drerup most recently served the university as chair of its Department of Biological Sciences and associate professor of biology.

He joined the university in 2016 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2020. He has since served as interim chair and co-chair of the Department of Science in addition to his teaching duties.

He has served as director for the Northeastern Indiana Tri-State Regional Science fair since 2018. He also has served on the university’s Curriculum and Academic Standards and Laboratory Safety Committees.

For several years, he has overseen teams of Trine University students who have monitored water quality at sites across Steuben County, funded by a Community Action Grant.

“Dr. Drerup is an innovative, thoughtful leader who brings energy, integrity and a genuine commitment to faculty and students to the role of dean,” said Lexie Staten, vice president for academic affairs. “His commitment to hands-on, experience-driven education and his ability to turn ideas into action will lead the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences into an exciting, impactful new chapter.”

Drerup said he is honored by the university’s confidence in naming him to this new role.

“The consistent growth within the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences is supported by dedicated, excellent faculty, consistently upgraded facilities and students who are looking to make an impact with their lives and careers,” said Drerup. “I’m honored by the opportunity to lead the school to the next level.”

Drerup earned both his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in environmental and plant biology from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Rapid growth

Launched in 2013, the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences has quickly grown to become the second-largest academic school at Trine University. Its explosive growth has resulted from the increasing demand for health professionals and the school’s popular direct entry pathway to Trine’s graduate health professions programs in the Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions in Fort Wayne.

The Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences has maintained 9% average annual enrollment growth, a trend sustained over the past nine years.

In addition to exercise science, the school includes programs in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science and applied health science.