In the Spotlight is an initiative to celebrate the incredibly talented people and teams within the college and to facilitate awareness and understanding of the unique individuals who make up the pharmacy family. 

This month, we learn about Rita Schneider, academic program management associate in the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Tell us about your role at the college.

I manage all aspects of the academic programs offered by the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) and the administrative operations required to support those offerings. Responsibilities include new program development and approval, communication with UI departments and advisors, enrollment tracking and compliance with University of Iowa undergraduate operations and policies.

If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?

Family, friendly, and Hawaii!

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?

During the day, I love to sit outside on the lanai (Hawaiian for deck, patio, veranda, or porch) and soak up the sun, watch the birds and squirrels, and take in the peacefulness. At night, I like to get an ice cream cone at Dane’s with my husband and daughter, and then do a bit of stargazing.

What's your favorite music genre?

I love almost all music genres! I can't pick just one!

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Whether it is hanging out with my husband and daughter, talking on the phone with my sisters, or getting together with friends, the answer is simply...family and friends.

How many states have you been to in the U.S.?

I have visited 21 states plus the District of Columbia, and have lived in four different states. I have also visited six countries, and lived in what was then named West Germany (now, Germany). We moved three years before the Berlin Wall was taken down.

What was the last picture you took with your phone?

A picture of my daughter. She is the light of my life!

Tell us about your photos.

These are photos of my husband, daughter, and I in Hawaii last year. My husband and I were stationed all over the world during his nearly 22 years in the military. My daughter has always lamented the fact that she was born near the end of those years, and did not have the chance to live in the amazing places we lived. We promised her that we would take her to Hawaii someday (our favorite place in the world, and we got to live there for four years!), so we took her as a graduation gift from college. It was a dream come true for our daughter, and a wonderful trip down memory lane 25 years later for us!

This "In the Spotlight" has been brought to you by the UI College of Pharmacy Staff Council.