CougaRx News

Message From the Interim Dean

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As summer begins in Spokane, I’ve been reflecting on just how much momentum and optimism is building across the college. Our Coug community continues to prove what is possible when passionate people rally around a shared mission.

One of our biggest bright spots this year has been enrollment. Applications to the college are up more than 50% year-over-year, and we are anticipating a full incoming PharmD cohort this fall. In a time when many pharmacy schools across the country are facing challenges, this growth speaks volumes about the strength of our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters—and the reputation this college has built together over generations.

Commencement was another powerful reminder of why this work matters. We cheered on graduates as they walked across the stage from our Doctor of Pharmacy, PhD, and Bachelor of Science programs. We were honored to welcome Michael Hogue, CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, as our keynote speaker at commencement. During his visit, Michael joined me and CEO of the Washington State Pharmacy Association Jenny Arnold for a tour of pharmacies across the Inland Northwest—including drugstore, grocery, independent, and hospital settings. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase the innovation, collaboration, and patient care happening throughout our regional pharmacy community and to share the important role pharmacists continue to play in advancing health care access.

Another milestone was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dr. Danial Baker Drug Information and Telehealth Center. This revitalized space serves as a future rotation site where faculty can precept students in telehealth and drug information services. It also allows us to continue the extraordinary legacy of Danial Baker and his longstanding impact on our college, our students, and the profession. We also had a spectacular send off for Former Dean Mark Leid. Seeing so many friends of the college gather on a beautiful Spokane evening was a wonderful reminder of the strong community Mark helped build. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a true Coug fashion send off.

One of my favorite moments last month was recognizing Manpreet Chahal as our Mentor of the Year. Remarkably, Manpreet first received this award 10 years ago, and his continued dedication to mentoring students through the Fred Meyer Alumni Student Mentor Program has impacted more than a dozen future pharmacists. The ripple effect of mentorship cannot be overstated—it creates confidence, opportunity, connection, and belonging for our students at a pivotal time in their professional journeys. I extend my sincere gratitude to Manpreet and to every mentor who generously gives their time and wisdom to support our students.

Finally, I hope you will join us September 25–26 for Pharmacy Weekend 2026 as we celebrate our incredible Coug pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences community. We’ll gather for the Crimson Gala to honor outstanding alumni and preceptors. Tickets are on sale now, and early bird pricing ends July 31!

As always, thank you for your continued support, advocacy, and belief in this college and our students. The future is bright thanks to you!

Go Cougs!

Julie Akers (’00), Interim Dean