Dear Pacific family,

This edition of the Dean’s Letter celebrates innovation, which can be defined as the creation of something new that adds value and improves lives. The Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy at University of the Pacific has a long and distinguished history of innovation. From offering the first 3-year doctor of pharmacy program and pioneering introductory pharmacy practice experiences in California, we are continuing to lead educational innovation in California with our distance interprofessional educational program and expanded telehealth clinics and services.

Our signature Medicare Part D health outreach program continues to provide unique curricular and co-curricular opportunities for our students, while providing valuable services in our surrounding communities as we connect with some of the people who need us most. Research also continues to be a driver for innovation at Pacific, leading to the discovery of new knowledge, processes and technologies that allow the profession of pharmacy to thrive.

Many of our alumni have served as trail blazers as they pursued non-traditional careers, forging new paths and opportunities for the generations that follow. This spirit of innovation is exemplified by new endowments from entrepreneurial Pacific graduates who are supporting transformative opportunities for our students, faculty and community.

Our newly formed committee on diversity, equity and inclusion will champion needed innovations to empower service and access for all to live, learn and lead with purpose. The Pacific experience has empowered generations of alumni who embody the best of our values to lead and innovate to ensure a vibrant future for ourselves and generations to come. This is the living legacy of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and our blueprint for the future.