Spring Break
Committee begins search for new dean of pharmacy
Greg Gentile
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: News
01/30/09 - The search has begun for a new University of Rhode Island dean of pharmacy.
The former dean of pharmacy, Donald Letendre, left URI for the University of Iowa during the fall of 2007.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Donald DeHayes, the Faculty Senate and the American Association of United Professors, appointed the College of Pharmacy Dean Search Committee. Heading up the search committee is the Dean of the College of Nursing, Dayle Joseph.
Since the job has not been officially posted yet, there are no current candidates for the position, but the committee is clear on what it is looking for.
"We are looking for a dean who will lead, supervise, advocate and support the College of Pharmacy in its teaching, research and outreach programs," Joseph said.
Ronald Jordan has been the interim dean since Letendre left for Iowa. He was appointed by URI President Robert L. Carothers and former Provost M. Beverly Swan. Because the job has not officially been posted, Jordan is unsure if he will definitely run for the position.
"My wife and I need to see if it makes sense to apply," he said. "I know that I am currently making a positive contribution toward the continued excellence of our program, and I am helping accelerate the progress of the university and the college in a number of areas."
Jordan said if he was to apply and be selected for the position, it would be one of the greatest honors of his career.
There is much to do for the future dean. At a time of global and economic change, the practice of pharmaceuticals has to go through a whole new makeover, Jordan said.
"As pharmacists, we need to find ways to guarantee quality outcomes and reduce the risks associated with drug use, and strive to a zero failure rate in our medication use systems," Jordan said, explaining the major factors in the future of the pharmacy program.
But with the new pharmacy facilities and investment in the North District of the Kingston campus, the new dean will have a lot to work with. To continue this growth and success, Jordan knows "the new dean needs to invest in and stimulate the intellect of our faculty, increase collaboration, accelerate innovation and improve [the colleges] partnering."
"The University of Rhode Island has no limits in what it can do in terms of discovery and service to our state, the nation and the world beyond," Jordan said.
Much of the information regarding the search is kept confidential to the public. Only the committee members know the specifics of the search, according to student search committee representative Leanne Stover.
There is no current timeline for when the final selection will be made. The committee's "goal is to have a dean appointed by July 1, 2009," Joseph said.
The former dean of pharmacy, Donald Letendre, left URI for the University of Iowa during the fall of 2007.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Donald DeHayes, the Faculty Senate and the American Association of United Professors, appointed the College of Pharmacy Dean Search Committee. Heading up the search committee is the Dean of the College of Nursing, Dayle Joseph.
Since the job has not been officially posted yet, there are no current candidates for the position, but the committee is clear on what it is looking for.
"We are looking for a dean who will lead, supervise, advocate and support the College of Pharmacy in its teaching, research and outreach programs," Joseph said.
Ronald Jordan has been the interim dean since Letendre left for Iowa. He was appointed by URI President Robert L. Carothers and former Provost M. Beverly Swan. Because the job has not officially been posted, Jordan is unsure if he will definitely run for the position.
"My wife and I need to see if it makes sense to apply," he said. "I know that I am currently making a positive contribution toward the continued excellence of our program, and I am helping accelerate the progress of the university and the college in a number of areas."
Jordan said if he was to apply and be selected for the position, it would be one of the greatest honors of his career.
There is much to do for the future dean. At a time of global and economic change, the practice of pharmaceuticals has to go through a whole new makeover, Jordan said.
"As pharmacists, we need to find ways to guarantee quality outcomes and reduce the risks associated with drug use, and strive to a zero failure rate in our medication use systems," Jordan said, explaining the major factors in the future of the pharmacy program.
But with the new pharmacy facilities and investment in the North District of the Kingston campus, the new dean will have a lot to work with. To continue this growth and success, Jordan knows "the new dean needs to invest in and stimulate the intellect of our faculty, increase collaboration, accelerate innovation and improve [the colleges] partnering."
"The University of Rhode Island has no limits in what it can do in terms of discovery and service to our state, the nation and the world beyond," Jordan said.
Much of the information regarding the search is kept confidential to the public. Only the committee members know the specifics of the search, according to student search committee representative Leanne Stover.
There is no current timeline for when the final selection will be made. The committee's "goal is to have a dean appointed by July 1, 2009," Joseph said.
