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COVER FEATURE KSU and OCPM MERGING B By Robert Janek EGINNING THIS SUMMER, Kent State University (KSU) and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) will merge into a single, academic entity: the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM). Pending final approval from the Ohio Board of Regents, the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, KSUCPM will become the first and only podiatric college in the nation associated with a state university. "We are moving pretty quickly with this acquisition," says Kent State President Lester A. Lefton, PhD. "and I am excited to officially welcome the college and its students to the Kent State family this summer." Considered to be a major milestone in the 96-year history of OCPM, the part- nership with KSU is expected to enhance students' educational experience. While the curriculum for podiatric medicine will remain the same, the partnership will offer students certain advantages. "Our students will have more opportu- nities in their professional education, such as research, sports medicine, and the abil- ity to pursue dual degrees," says OCPM President Thomas V. Melillo, DPM. The proposed KSUCPM will remain at the OCPM's current site in Independence, Ohio, which, when final approvals are received, will be considered a Kent State campus. KSUCPM will be launched without any one-time funding needs and will continue to operate under a budget that reflects OCPM's current, "in the black" status. It will be led by a chief executive officer (OCPM president Beginning this summer, Kent State University (KSU) and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) will merge into a single, academic entity: the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM). Shown here (L-R) are OCPM President and KSUCPM Chief Executive Officer Thomas V. Melillo, DPM, KSU President Lester A. Lefton, PhD, and OCPM and KSUCPM Executive Vice President David R. Nicolanti, PhD. 6 | Cleveland-Akron-Canton MD NEWS ■ MDNEWS.COM ■ JULY-AUGUST 2012 PHOTOS © SMITHBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY, NORTH CANTON