Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor Julie Akers (’00) has been appointed Executive Associate Dean for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective on July 1. In this new role, Julie will be taking on multiple responsibilities with the authority to make decisions on the Dean’s behalf and in the best interests of CPPS as well as leading the Office of Advancement.
As the head of advancement, Julie will oversee the marketing and communications team to create awareness for the college and its programs. She will also manage and direct activities related to development and alumni relations, including serving as Executive Director of the CougaRx Nation.
In addition to her role in advancing the college, Julie will continue to oversee the Rural Health Initiative, collaborating with both the Associate Dean for the Rural Health Initiative, Angie Stewart and the Director of Rural Health Curriculum, Megan Undeberg. The three will develop and implement the strategic plan of the initiative.
Julie has served the college for over 15 years; first as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, then as a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacotherapy, and in the college’s administration as Associate Dean of External Relations. Along with her academic career, she has had a full range of professional experiences from practicing as a pharmacist, to managing an entire region of pharmacies in western Washington. Julie has served in numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including as President and Member of the Board of Directors for the Washington State Pharmacy Association, member of the American Pharmacists Association Government Affairs Committee, and WSU’s Faculty Senate.