3 finalists named, interviews scheduled
The College of Pharmacy Dean’s Search Committee recently narrowed the list of candidates to three finalists after a national search began last fall.
The committee is chaired by Ron Berry, dean of the College of Business Administration, and also includes pharmacy staff and students as well as a community member.
All three candidates for the dean position will have on-site interviews starting March 22 and ending on March 29.
Mitch Amedee, a pharmacy P4 from Vacherie, is specific about what things the new dean should accomplish.
“I think the new dean needs to be able to amplify the already great and accomplished college that I have been privileged to attend,” said Amedee.
“Also, I would like the new dean to be able to fix the water fountains.”
Benny Blaylock has been serving as the pharmacy school’s interim dean since the passing of former dean, Greg Leader, last spring and is one of the three finalists.
He has been at ULM for almost 20 years and has been actively involved in the toxicology and pharmacy departments.
His interview dates are scheduled for Mar. 24-25.
Jagdish Singh, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at North Dakota State University is the second finalist chosen for interviews.
Singh will be on campus Mar. 22-23 to interview with the board.
Kathryn Meier, director/chair of the Program in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology in the College of Pharmacy at Washington State University also made the final cut.
Meier will be visiting ULM Mar. 28-29 to interact with students and meet with the board for final questioning.
After all of the applicants have been interviewed, the university will make a final decision on the new dean.
Clint Bell, a pharmacy P2 from Ruston, is pulling for one candidate in particular.
“Personally, I would prefer Dr. Blaylock’s interim tag to be removed and have him named the official dean of the College of Pharmacy,” said Bell.
“While I’m sure the other candidates are more than qualified for the position, Dr. Blaylock has been associated with ULM for a while now, and we know he backs our best interests.”
