KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Western Michigan University says its new medical school has named Laurie Richlin as chairwoman of its Department of Medical Education.

The university announced the appointment Wednesday. The first class of students at Western Michigan University School of Medicine is expected to begin it studies in August 2014 in Kalamazoo.

Richlin has served as director of faculty development at the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles and as director of the Claremont Graduate University Preparing Future Faculty and Learning Communities Program.

Unidentified benefactors have given Western Michigan a $100 million donation to launch the school.

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Online:

http://med.wmich.edu