Wendy Duncan has been named Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Drake University effective June 1, 2013. Duncan comes to Drake from St. Louis College of Pharmacy where she served as vice president of academic affairs and dean of pharmacy.
“Wendy brings a high level of expertise and collaborative skills that can assist the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the pursuit of professional excellence for the next level of challenge, change, and achievement,” says Drake Provost Deneese Jones. “Her passion for the further development of the health sciences is laudable. I am excited about the possibilities under her leadership coupled with the opportunities that are made available with the recently approved university strategic plan.”
Duncan received both her Bachelor of Science in pharmacy and PhD in pharmaceutics from the University of Toronto. Prior to her appointment as dean, she served as a faculty member at the University of Toronto and as associate dean for education and director of the Office of Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy.
Duncan is a noted expert in curriculum development and assessment as well as student professionalism. At St. Louis College of Pharmacy, she facilitated an academic strategic planning process that resulted in curricular transformation, including interdisciplinary integration, and the development of student abilities in communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The College, under her guidance and facilitation, implemented a comprehensive, criterion-based program assessment plan.
Duncan also brings a strong set of skills in collaborative leadership. She was responsible for assembling the Missouri Pharmacy Coalition, a consortium of colleges, state pharmacy organizations and board members to form a policy- and legislation-focused alliance. She was instrumental in developing inter-professional alliances with Saint Louis University, Washington University School of Medicine, and Goldfarb School of Nursing that provided new educational, practice, and research opportunities for students and faculty.
“Drake has so much to offer: collegiality, excellence, and innovation, and I am excited to bring knowledge, skills, and passion that truly complement what the College hopes to achieve,” Duncan said. “My conversations with the Drake community have only reinforced my conviction that genomics, educational innovation, an exciting health sciences program, and practice- and education-focused entrepreneurialism are emerging seeds of distinction.”
Duncan will succeed Raylene Rospond, who served as dean of the College for 10 years and was recently appointed Deputy Provost for the university in a full-time administrative position starting June 1, 2013.