Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Allen G. Rasmussen to the Board of Dentistry.

Rasmussen, of International Falls, is president emeritus of Rainy River Community College, where he serves as a part-time education consultant. He held a number of positions at Rainy River Community College over 31 years, culminating as president from 1993 to 2001. Since his retirement in 2001, Rasmussen has also served as interim superintendent of International Falls School District 361, and a consultant with North Star Center for School Violence Prevention. Rasmussen holds a master of arts degree in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and a bachelor of science degree in education from Bemidji State University.

Rasmussen is treasurer of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, secretary/treasurer and past chairperson of the Northeastern Minnesota Workforce Investment Board, vice chair of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, chair of the Minnesota Lutheran Social Services Foundation Board, and a member of the boards of directors of the Rainy River Community College Foundation, University of Minnesota – Duluth Center for Economic Development, Lutheran Social Services, National Scenic Byways and the Koochiching Economic Development Authority Board. Rasmussen replaces Susan Osman on the Board of Dentistry as a public member to complete a four-year term that expires on January 2, 2012.

The Board of Dentistry examines, licenses and regulates dental health care professionals. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.