I can honestly say, I will never forget my first year as dean at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. We navigated a pandemic and civil unrest as we tried to adapt to remote learning, sheltering in place and health and safety protocols that made our heads spin. We maneuvered through life transitions during “unprecedented times,” which brought us both tears and joy. Through it all, what I will remember most about my first year at the School is the resilience, commitment and indomitable spirit that defines Pacific.

During the past year, we focused on three goals to establish the School as a place where tradition and innovation meet.

Delivering exemplary pharmacy education and training

In 2020, we observed the 50th anniversary of our accelerated three-year doctor of pharmacy program. Students continued to progress with distinction and the Class of 2021 graduated on time. Students also engaged in co-curricular activities, including our signature Medicare Part D Outreach Clinics, which incorporated an online format last season and reached more than 800 beneficiaries. The quality of our student-centered teaching and training was exemplified by a University Distinguished Faculty Award; Podesto Award for Excellence in Student Life, Mentoring and Counseling; and Order of the Pacific awards to distinguished faculty and alumni.

Advocating for new opportunities for pharmacists

The pandemic provided numerous examples that highlighted the expertise of pharmacists. Our Operation Immunization committee spearheaded the University’s efforts to offer drive-through vaccination clinics on our campuses along with our interprofessional colleagues, which resulted in providing more than 9,000 COVID-19 vaccinations. Many of our pharmacy faculty, staff, students and alumni also volunteered at countless vaccination clinics across the state. For their leadership, Operation Immunization was recognized with the University’s Faith Davies Student Organization of the Year Award. In addition, the California Society for Health-Systems Pharmacists recognized our Medicare Part D Outreach Clinics with an honorable mention for their Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award.

Creating new knowledge through research

Our research labs have reopened after being closed for most of the pandemic. Despite these limitations, our faculty and students have continued to publish and have leveraged more than $850,000 in new competitive, external funding. Our graduate program underwent a highly successful external program review and the quality of the scientific training provided through our school is enhanced via the Jie Du Center for Innovation and Excellence for Drug Development, which officially launched in July 2021.

Our legacy of leadership also continues, with numerous alumni serving and being recognized with awards in regional and state pharmacy organizations this past year. Our alumni also continue to provide scholarships, mentorship and renovated spaces for our students.

The future looks bright as our students continue to achieve strong residency and fellowship placements, and receive prestigious national awards, including the Thurston Grand President’s Award for Phi Delta Chi and United States Public Health Services Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award.

It has been quite a year. I look forward to greeting everyone on campus and at upcoming in-person events.