Charles Edwards has been tapped to lead Drake University’s College of Business and Public Administration, after roughly 18 months of success as head of the school’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The appointment, announced last week, is effective June 1. Edwards is a former president and publisher of the Des Moines Register. He also has several years of experience running two technology-related companies, Visionary Systems Ltd. and Iowa Title Plant LLC.

The move could signify looming changes for Drake’s business school, as its leaders increasingly search for ways to link different concentrations of study to better appeal to students and help Drake compete against other schools.

Drake’s business and journalism schools are currently developing a joint graduate program. Edwards’ experience in the journalism and business fields is expected to contribute to those efforts.

“As dean of both units, Charlie Edwards will be able to further   develop connections and collaborations,” said Drake Provost Ron Troyer in a statement. “These emerging synergies present new opportunities for securing external resources to support both faculty and programs, and to develop innovative strategies Drake.”

The appointment quadruples Edwards’ responsibilities. The journalism school has 13 professors and about 470 students. The College of Business has 38 faculty members and about 1,230 students.

Edwards has had a string of successes since being named dean of the journalism school. He has used his numerous contacts in Des Moines to secure fellowship slots for Drake journalism students at both the Register and at Meredith Corp., which publishes Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal and other magazines.

He has also been successful at helping Drake raise money, an important skill for academic leaders.

“Edwards has demonstrated a remarkable talent for handling complex tasks in both the private sector and at Drake University,” Troyer said in the statement.