DR. NANCY KAWAHARA RETIRES W

hen the School of Pharmacy at Loma Linda University first opened in 2002, Nancy Kawahara, PharmD, MSEd began as Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Over the next two decades, she served in several different capacities— from faculty member to interim dean– helping the school through periods of transition and growth. Most recently, Dr. Kawahara has served as Assistant Dean of Co-Curriculum and Mentorship, coordinating mission trips, diabetes camp experiences, local community service opportunities, and more for pharmacy students. Now, after 21 years of service, “Dr. K,” as she is affectionately called, has opted for another role change: retirement.

Reflecting on her time at LLUSP, Dr. Kawahara says, “It has been an honor to play a significant part in building the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at Loma Linda University. I will miss my daily interactions with students and my colleagues.”

“Dr. Kawahara’s legacy here at Loma Linda is considerable,” says Dr. Michael Hogue, LLUSP Dean. “She was instrumental in designing the first curriculum, establishing student organizations, collaborating with university officials to set up community engagement and global service opportunities, and much, much more. She’s served in a variety of administrative roles and taught many different courses. Her love for students runs deep, and she will be missed!”