SOP’s Acting Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Affairs Retires

Faculty, staff, and students gather in Pharmacy Hall to celebrate the career and accomplishments of Janice Batzold.

By Sean Cooper
July 15, 2014

On June 25, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy hosted a reception to celebrate and honor the career of Janice Batzold, MS, acting assistant dean for the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, who retired from the University after nine years of service, six of them at the School.

“During her time at the School of Pharmacy, Janice has proved to be a thoughtful leader, creative strategic planner, wonderful relationship builder, and trusted advisor,” said Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FCP, FAAPS, dean and professor of the School of Pharmacy. “She has worked collaboratively with our faculty, staff, and students to secure gifts from alumni, major donors, corporations, and foundations, improving the School’s connection with its alumni, students, and other programs. Her work is admired and respected by not only her colleagues at the School of Pharmacy, but by development professionals across the University.”

Batzold joined the School of Pharmacy in 2008, after spending three years at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She served as the School’s director of development for special gifts and programming before being appointed as acting assistant dean for the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs in October 2010.

“Janice and I have developed a special bond over the six years that we have worked together,” says Rebecca Ceraul, assistant dean for the Office of Communications and Marketing at the School. “She is one of the first people I turn to for counsel, because I know that she will offer me thoughtful advice.”

“Janice is a great leader, motivator, and friend,” adds Angela Newman, program administrative specialist in the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, who has worked closely with Batzold since 2008. “Her door is always open, and, as a member of her team, I know that I can talk to her about anything. We are truly going to miss her down to earth nature, her energy, and her compassion.”

As acting assistant dean, Batzold has met and exceeded the School’s annual fundraising goals for multiple consecutive years. In 2013, she secured $3 million in gifts and played an important role in cultivating the School’s relationship with the Waters Corporation, which led to its Mass Spectrometry Center being named a partner in the company’s Centers of Innovation Program.

“Not only is Janice involved with a range of our alumni, but she understands how to best communicate and reach out to them,” says Andrew Coop, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Her ability to connect with different types of people helps her establish strong relationship within the School of Pharmacy, as well as with the organizations and corporations with which we have partnerships.”

Batzold also worked with colleagues to secure a $1.1 million gift from Ellen Yankellow, PharmD ’96, BSP ’73, president and chief executive officer of Correct Rx Pharmacy Services, Inc. and chair of the School’s Board of Visitors, to name the Ellen H. Yankellow Grand Atrium and fund a residency in health outcomes, as well as a $350,000 gift from Walgreens to name the School’s Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Suite.

“Janice has an outstanding gift — her desire and ability to establish relationships,” says Harold Chappelear, DSC ’98, LLD (Hon), president and chief executive officer of UPM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and member of the School’s Board of Visitors. “Her ability to establish these relationships and bonds with students, alumni, faculty, and companies allows her to develop endless connections and opportunities, all of which have helped to improve the School.”

At the end of the celebration, Batzold addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for the kindness showed to her during her time at the School and expressing her gratitude to all of the faculty, staff, and students in attendance. “The day that I officially joined the School of Pharmacy was one of the best days of my life. I have enjoyed working with an amazing and supportive staff,” she said.

Looking into the future, Batzold says she plans to spend her retirement volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations and exploring her hobbies.

“I appreciate all of your generosity and thoughtfulness,” said Batzold. “It has been a fabulous six years working at the School of Pharmacy, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with all of you.”

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