A NEW ERA: CONTINUED ACCREDITATION & “THE ONES”

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) has been granted continued accreditation by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) for the maximum eight-year period, extending the accreditation until 2030-2031. The program was found to be compliant in all 25 standards.

The College has also been assisting Drake University with a new bold and audacious campaign. Launched in October 2021, ‘The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave and Bold’ is meant to build upon the University’s commitment to transforming lives and strengthening communities. Now over a year since its launch, we reflect on how the PharmD program lives out the priorities and initiatives of the campaign. It is with the assistance of the Iowa pharmacy community that we carry out these priorities, build a strong vision for the future, and continue our mission to prepare today’s learners to be tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.

“The Ones” Campaign Priorities: Every Bulldog a Changemaker – Our goal is for every student pharmacist to use their knowledge and talent to make a positive difference in the world. That’s why our curriculum, initiatives, and community partnerships equip students with the necessary skills to identify solutions for pressing concerns in healthcare and improve patient outcomes. The Drake Entrepreneurial Leadership Tools for Advancement (DELTA) Rx Institute provides entrepreneurial internships, competitions, awards, and additional learning opportunities to promote a spirit of innovation among students.

Revitalizing Democracy – As democracy is continuously challenged, our College creates an environment for democratic discourse, dialogue, and action. Through the curriculum, annual legislative activities, association memberships, and internship opportunities, student pharmacists are informed and understand the power of their voice.

Digital Proficiency – Students are navigating the monumental digitalization of society and the healthcare industry on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders. We are supporting them on this journey through a wide range of clinical experiences and the dual-degree option with the Master of Science in Health Informatics.

Student Experience – We continue to build on the exceptional experience of student pharmacists, ensuring that they learn with, about, and from each other through interprofessional education and a robust collection of student organizations and committees.

Strengthening the Heartland – Drake student pharmacists learn what it means to help bolster the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of rural America by providing virtual and in-person healthcare in communities across the state through DELTA Rx internships within community pharmacies. The College’s Joe and Gordon Alexander Pharmacy Scholarship provides financial assistance to student pharmacists planning to practice in rural Iowa upon graduation. The College is also supporting rural Iowa with the Cultivate Program, which trains high school students to work in rural Iowa pharmacies.

Creating Access to Opportunity – We encourage and empower individuals from all backgrounds to enhance their lives and the lives of others through education. With the creation of scholarships, accelerated programs, and partnerships with other universities, we are embracing opportunity as a fundamental right.

Transforming Every Day - With an emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement, our students become leaders and visionaries to improve the pharmacy profession, transform lives, and strengthen communities. The College continues to garner resources to assist students with professional development opportunities and scholarships.

Amidst our efforts to contribute to the strong foundation of Drake’s next great era, there are several other new initiatives:

• Launch of the online Certificate in Psychopharmacotherapy for healthcare practitioners and PharmD students in Summer 2022.

• Launch of the online MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology for practicing psychologists to increase access to essential mental health care in Iowa and other states.

• Creation of a College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee with professor and clinical pharmacist Anisa Hansen (PH’02) named director.

• Announcement of the creation of three inaugural scholarships supported by former faculty and alumni: the Nita Pandit Student Research Award, the June F. Johnson Scholarship, and the Steven R. and Karen L. Herwig Pharmacy Scholarship.

• Renewal by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council of pharmaceutical professor Pramod Maha- jan’s Iowa STEM ScaleUp proposal for ‘SoapyCilantro: A Practicum for Hands-On Introduction of Iowa’s Teachers and Students to Precision Medicine.’

A few other recent College highlights:

• Alumni Todd Lee (PH’97) and CoraLynn Trewet (PH’03) received 2023 CPHS Alumni Achievement Awards, and Emmeline Paintsil (PH’18, GR’20) received the 2023 CPHS Young Alumni Achievement Award.

• Alumni Charlie Hartig (PH’09) and Iowa State Rep. John Forbes (PH’80) received Drake University Alumni Achievement Awards in 2022, and Jessica Nesheim (PH’09) received the Drake University Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2023.

• Alum Gregg C. Brown (PH’78, LW’81) was the 2022 Weaver Medal of Honor recipient and lecturer.

• Molly Nelson (PharmD Candidate 2023) was one of three Next-Generation Future Pharmacist Award finalists in 2022, adding to Drake’s record as the program with the most finalists (13) and award winners (3).

As a result of the work of our faculty, staff, preceptors, alumni, and students this year, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will help Drake University usher in its next great era and secure a more vibrant future for those who follow in our footsteps. To all the IPA members who support the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and assist us in these endeavors, thank you for your commitment! You can learn more about ‘The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave and Bold’ at theones.drake.edu. ■