Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

News

Harry E. Douglas, III Retires After Thirty-Three Years Of
Academic Service

Harry E. Douglas III, D.P.A., a nationally known educator and
administrator, retired on August 31^st from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Douglas’ long and distinguished career spanned a period of over 40 years. In 1972, Dr Douglas coordinated the opening of the King/Drew Medical Center. This was a major event that was a direct result of the McCone Commission report on the causes of the Watts riots. He also was a key member of the administrative team that established the School of Allied Health Sciences at Howard University in 1975 in Washington, DC.
Dr. Douglas’ success at Howard led to an invitation to return to the west coast in 1983 as Dean with the responsibility for establishing a similar school at Drew University, based on the Howard model. The new school at Drew was a successful undertaking and served as the basis for the University to assign Douglas the responsibility to prepare the University for regional accreditation. Accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was subsequently obtained in 1995 based on the independent degree granting capacity of the College of Allied Health. Because of his expertise in education assessment and effectiveness practices, Dr. Douglas was appointed as a commissioner with WASC and several other specialized accreditation commissions. Dr. Douglas served in
a number key administration post while at Drew University, including, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Executive Vice-President and Interim President. In each capacity he had a positive and enduring impact on the growth and development of the University. Douglas will reside during his retirement in Southern California.