Lifelong Learning on Steroids - A Letter from Dean Chesnut

When Drake says lifelong learning, it isn’t just a catch phrase; it’s reality. I have seen that firsthand in the 40+ years that I have been part of the Drake community – first as a student, then an alum, and then as a faculty member and administrator. I can’t think of a day when I didn’t learn something new. From the moment I set foot on campus as a bright-eyed student to my tenure as Dean of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, my journey has been one characterized by opportunities for growth, discovery, personal development, and transformation. It was certainly more than I ever thought possible when I visited Drake more than 40 years ago and had the ‘feeling’ that it was the place for me to study pharmacy. The concept of lifelong learning has been at the heart of my journey—a journey that, in many ways, has been on steroids. Just as steroids kickstart the immune system, so does Drake kickstart lifelong learning.

Whether I was learning the intricacies of chemical equations, pharmacological interventions, the nuances of business principles, educational theory, or leadership and administration, I was surrounded and inspired by a community of fellow learners.

I’ve learned that lifelong learning is about more than just accumulating degrees and accolades. It’s about embracing every opportunity for growth and transformation, no matter how big or small. It’s about approaching each day with an open mind and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. It’s about recognizing that true success lies not in reaching a destination, but in the journey itself.

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, I am reminded of the importance of lifelong learning in shaping not only our individual destinies but also in facilitating the creation of others’ learning opportunities. It is through education and enlightenment that we can overcome the challenges, seize opportunities, and create a prosperous future for generations to come.

So, here’s to continued lifelong learning, dear friends. To the journey that never ends, and the countless opportunities it brings for growth, discovery, and transformation. May we continue to learn, lead, and leave our mark on the world, one lesson at a time.

With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,

Renae Chesnut,PH’85, GR’85, ’96, ’98College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Dean