Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) has appointed Donnie C. Akers, OD, as Dean of the College of Optometric Medicine and Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO, FSLS, as the college’s Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Both appointments are effective immediately. Dr. Akers has led the college as Interim Dean since May 2026, and Dr. Kruoch has been serving as Interim Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Akers brings more than 25 years of experience in optometric education, patient care, academic administration, curriculum development, and interprofessional collaboration. Before stepping in as Interim Dean, he served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for RMU’s Doctor of Optometry program, where he helped guide academic operations, accreditation work, faculty recruitment and development, and student success initiatives. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry, he has practiced in both private and federal settings, including more than a decade caring for patients through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has also taught gross anatomy, ocular anatomy, and ocular physiology, and was recognized for introducing one of the first virtual 3D interactive anatomy labs in optometric education.
“Dean Akers stepped into the interim role in May and has given the college thoughtful leadership from his first day,” said Malissa Martin, EdD, AT-Ret, RMU executive vice president of Academic Affairs and provost. “He knows this program, its faculty, and its students well, and he leads with their success in mind. We’re glad to have him as Dean.”
Dr. Kruoch is an associate professor at the college, with a teaching focus on ocular disease and specialty contact lenses. She earned her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2009 and completed a residency in anterior segment disease and specialty contact lenses. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of its anterior segment section. She was named Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association in 2018 and by the American Optometric Association in 2019. In 2025, Utah Business magazine named her a Healthcare Hero in the Healthcare Educator category.
“It has been a privilege to help build the first optometry program in the Intermountain West,” said Dr. Akers. “Alongside Dr. Kruoch and our terrific faculty, I’m excited to see what RMU optometric medicine students will do for their patients and communities when they enter the workforce.”
