Keck Graduate Institute President Dr. Sheldon Schuster has announced Dr. Megan Prosser as the new Dean of the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences (Riggs School). Prosser comes to KGI from Azusa Pacific University (APU), where she served as the Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of Biology.
“We are extremely excited for Dr. Prosser to join KGI as the new Dean of the Riggs School,” said Schuster. “Her passion, enthusiasm, and experience in the sciences and academic administration will move KGI forward as we educate the next generation of innovators.”
Prosser came to APU in 2012 as a faculty member in the Biology and Chemistry Department teaching Cancer Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. She has since held multiple administrative positions, including the Assistant Chair (2014-2017) and Chair (2017-2020) of the Department of Biology and Chemistry and the Senior Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff (2020-2021).
“I was drawn to KGI on various levels: as a scientist, faculty member, and administrator,” Prosser stated.
“The curriculum here is completely innovative. I love what’s happening; I love the preparation in that it’s highly applicable so that students are well prepared to go into careers.”
Prosser was a double major in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Redlands and earned her PhD in Cancer Immunotherapeutics and Tumor Immunology from the Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope. Her research expertise focuses on adoptive immunotherapeutic approaches for enhanced cancer therapy.
“As a scientist, I’ve wanted to be back with the sciences,” Prosser continued. “It’s where I have my greatest vision and capacity for thought and insight to bring to an institution. I feel that my ideas will continue to advance what KGI is already doing very well.”
Dr. Martin Zdanowicz has served as both the Dean of KGI’s School and Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the Riggs School.
“I want to thank Dr. Zdanowicz for serving in both dean roles the last couple of years,” Schuster added. “KGI would not be where we are today without his vision and hard work.”
Prosser assumes leadership of the Riggs School beginning July 1, 2022. The Riggs School currently houses six master’s degrees, one doctorate, and one certificate program, with more than 1,000 alumni making a tremendous impact in the life sciences and healthcare industries.