New University Provost and CPHS Interim Dean

June 1, 2023 will be a day of significant leadership changes for Campbell University. That day CPHS Dean, Michael L. Adams (’96 PharmD, PhD), will take on the role of University provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. CPHS Associate Dean for Administration, Jeff Mercer (PharmD), will succeed Adams as interim CPHS dean, and Dr. Mark Hammond, current University provost, will join the faculty of the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.

A 1996 Doctor of Pharmacy summa cum laude graduate of Campbell, Adams also earned a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Washington in 2003. He returned to the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in 2005 as an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences. Four years later, he became the College’s director of science education outreach and served in that position through 2012, when he was named assistant dean for graduate and interprofessional education. He succeeded the College’s founding dean, Dr. Ronald Maddox, in 2015.

“I am honored to take on this new role in service to my alma mater,” said Adams. “Helping students along their journey toward achieving their educational goals is very rewarding, and I hope as provost to continue to support the University mission of preparing students for purposeful lives of meaningful service.”

Mercer served as an associate dean and eventually dean for the College of Pharmacy at Harding University for more than 16 years before coming to Campbell in July 2022 as CPHS associate dean of administration. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University in 2000 after studying at Faulkner and Mercer universities. He began his pharmacy career in 2004 as a pharmacy supervisor and district manager for Publix Super Markets.

He said, “I am deeply honored to serve the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Every day I see the dedication of our faculty and staff as they work tirelessly to help our students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be of service to others. I look forward to helping CPHS continue on the path of excellence.”