Celebrating the career of Rhonda McDaniel
On Friday, Aug. 7, the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) will celebrate the retirement of Rhonda McDaniel.
For over three decades — 37 years to be exact — Rhonda has served as the executive secretary for UND’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies, becoming much more than an administrative professional. She has been the steady hand behind the scenes, helping guide the department through leadership transitions, curriculum changes, accreditation visits, and the countless daily responsibilities that keep an academic program running successfully.
Throughout her career, Rhonda earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy, reliability, and professionalism. Faculty, staff, and students knew that if Rhonda was involved, the job would be done thoroughly and on time. Her remarkable institutional knowledge — often recalling how challenges had been handled years or even decades earlier — made her an invaluable resource not only within the Department of Physician Assistant Studies but across the SMHS.
Rhonda’s impact extended well beyond her own department. She built strong relationships throughout SMHS and the University, serving as a trusted liaison who connected people, solved problems, and helped colleagues navigate university processes. Although she never sought a formal leadership role, she became a leader through her example. Her professionalism, integrity, and willingness to help others earned the respect of everyone fortunate enough to work with her.
Perhaps the greatest reflection of Rhonda’s character came as she prepared for retirement. During a period of leadership transition and staffing changes within the department, and with an important accreditation visit on the horizon, Rhonda made the selfless decision to postpone her retirement to help provide stability and support for her colleagues. She did so without being asked, simply because she cared deeply about the department, the people she worked with, and the students the program serves.
True to her humble nature, Rhonda requested that her retirement not be marked by a large celebration. Those who know her understand that she has never sought recognition for the countless ways she has contributed over the years. Yet her legacy is one worthy of celebration.
The School of Medicine & Health Sciences thanks Rhonda McDaniel for more than 37 years of outstanding service, unwavering dedication, and quiet leadership. Her contributions have strengthened not only the Department of Physician Assistant Studies but the entire SMHS community. We wish Rhonda and her family every happiness in her well-earned retirement.
