Impact Report

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This has been a year of extremes – both successes and challenges.

Across the University, leadership transitions and shifting financial realities have challenged us to think differently about the future of pharmacy education. In moments like this, strong institutions do more than adapt—they reimagine what is possible. That is exactly what we are doing.

Inspired by the forward-looking leadership of President Betsy Cantwell and in close partnership with Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, we have taken a hard, honest look at how our college must evolve to remain not only sustainable, but indispensable. Faculty transitions have opened the door to elevate bold new leaders, expand revenue-generating initiatives, redesign our curriculum for the rapidly expanding role of pharmacists, and strengthen enrollment to meet Washington’s critical workforce needs. Thank you to each of those listed here who have taken on new leadership roles to drive the college forward.

The results are encouraging:

Our first-time NAPLEX pass rate climbed to 92.5%, placing us as #3 on the West Coast among public pharmacy schools and #1 in the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, our PharmD applications surged to their highest level in nearly a decade—clear evidence that the next generation sees both the urgency and the opportunity in our mission.

Yet we are clear-eyed about the road ahead. Reduced federal and state support, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and profound shifts in health care delivery are reshaping our landscape in real time. As interim dean, simply keeping the ship afloat is not an option.

This is a pivotal moment. With your continued partnership—your advocacy, collaboration, mentorship, and philanthropy—we have the opportunity to not simply respond to change, but to lead it. Thank you for being part of what comes next.

Julie Akers (’00), Interim Dean
WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences