Dr. Julie Schornack Addresses University’s 100-Year History in Orange County and its Vision for the Future
FULLERTON, CALIF. (April 4, 2023) - Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU), an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution in Fullerton, California will inaugurate Julie A. Schornack, OD, MEd as the next president to helm the university. Not only is Dr. Schornack the university’s second president since its expansion and name change in 2013, but she is also its first female president. Today, MBKU includes three primary schools: 1) Southern California College of Optometry offering a Doctor of Optometry and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree; 2) School of Physician Assistant Studies providing students a Master of Medical Science degree; and 3) its College of Pharmacy which offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. An inauguration event will occur on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Fullerton Free in Fullerton, California; with a 10-year anniversary celebration event to follow at 2 p.m. at Marshall B. Ketchum University.
“Dr. Julie A. Schornack is a tremendous leader who brings decades of achievement to the profession and our institution,” said Dr. Lynn Gabriel, Chair of the MBKU Board of Trustees. “She has served Southern California College of Optometry and MBKU for over 35 years as an optometrist, educator and administrator and deeply embodies the caring and innovative character of this institution. The Board of Trustees is delighted to partner with President Schornack as she establishes her vision for the next phase of MBKU’s future.”
Dr. Schornack is inspired by the past and focused on the future—bringing a deep connection with the university, its students and faculty to the forefront of her vision for MBKU. Her previous experience in the education and healthcare fields bring a unique perspective and help shape her identity as a strong leader. Dr. Schornack received her optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1984 and went on to earn her Master of Education at Pacific University College of Optometry. Dr. Schornack began her time at MBKU as an assistant professor at the Cornea and Contact Lens Service and was involved in high-level contact lens research. She joined MBKU in 1986 and has served in a variety of positions including associate dean of clinical education, vice president of clinical affairs for SCCO and most recently senior vice president and chief of staff for the university.
Dr. Schornack’s inauguration will celebrate the university’s first female president and honor its history by commemorating MBKU’s commitment to its roots in Orange County and its evolution over time – including the development of the university to include the School of Physician Assistant Studies and the College of Pharmacy as well as Dr. Schornack’s vision for continuing to provide rigorous and immersive academic programs that teach, train and graduate the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
“I am honored to be inaugurated as the second president of Marshall B. Ketchum University,” said Dr. Schornack. “This is a place I’ve called home as an optometrist and educator for nearly 40 years, and it’s a place I love. I look forward to working alongside MBKU’s incredible faculty, staff and administrators to prepare our exceptional students to become thoughtful and engaged healthcare providers. MBKU has a bright and exciting future ahead, and I am thrilled to be a part of this compelling new chapter in the history of the institution.”
For more information about the event and to RSVP visit: https://www.ketchum.edu/inauguration.
To learn more about Marshall B. Ketchum University, please visit: https://www.ketchum.edu/.
About Marshall B. Ketchum University: Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution located in Fullerton, California proudly preparing the healthcare leaders of the future through immersive and rigorous academic programs that teach, train and graduate tomorrow’s clinical experts. Established in 1904, more than 100 years later, MBKU today includes three primary schools: 1) Southern California College of Optometry which offers a Doctor of Optometry and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree; 2) its School of Physician Assistant Studies which awards a Master of Medical Science degree; and 3) its College of Pharmacy, that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. With a nationally recognized faculty known for offering the highest level of expertise and experience in clinical education and training; a commitment to introducing students to the latest in technology, diagnosis and treatment; as well as small class sizes and a tight knit family feel—MBKU graduates become part of a diverse and inclusive alumni group that includes some of the healthcare industry’s most accomplished researchers, clinicians and teachers. MBKU also provides personalized care to the communities it serves from two state-of-the-art optometry clinics offering comprehensive vision care for all ages, from infants to seniors. The wide array of services include: cornea and contact lenses, pediatric vision, ocular disease treatment and consultation, vision therapy, low vision and more. More services can be found online at University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Anaheim and University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Los Angeles. Accessible primary care medical services are also available at its family medicine clinic, Ketchum Health. To learn more about MBKU’s programs or public clinics visit, https://www.ketchum.edu/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Editor’s Note: Media interested in speaking to expert staff, faculty and leadership of Marshall B. Ketchum University should email ketchum@beyondfifteen.com to facilitate interviews.