Western University announces new public affairs executive directorPasadena resident Dereck Andrade to head university's PR outreach

POMONA, Calif. – June 8, 2007 — Western University of Health Sciences has hired Dereck Andrade as the college’s new executive director of public affairs after a seven-month, nationwide search, university officials said Friday. The Pasadena resident will oversee Western University’s public relations, special events and graphics/branding departments. "He is a man of great charm and talent who will be a significant asset to the university," said Philip Pumerantz, Ph.D., and founding president of Western University of Health Sciences. Andrade is a USC graduate, and holds a master’s degree in leadership and management from the University of La Verne. He is a former business editor with the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group, and a former newswriter at KNX Newsradio in Los Angeles. In addition to teaching public relations and journalism at Pasadena City College, he is a 14-year member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. "We are delighted to welcome Dereck Andrade as executive director of public affairs to Western University," said Shirley Johnston, Ph.D., and vice president for university advancement. "His background in public relations in Southern California and his incredible strengths in communications and marketing are a great fit for our university at this time of growth."