Blaylock sets goals to make college better
Benny Blaylock has been named the new dean of the ULM College of Pharmacy pending approval of the UL System Board of Supervisors.
On Friday, April 8, ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Richters sent an email to faculty and staff informing them of the decision which was then forwarded to students.
“It’s a humbling experience,” said Dean Blaylock.
“A lot of people that I have a lot of respect for had a hand in picking me as the person that will lead the pharmacy school. I view it as a distinct honor.”
Professor of Pharmacology Paul Sylvester said that it was a tough battle for COP dean and he believes the best candidate was chosen.
Blaylock also had significant support from pharmacy students including first year student and Houston native, Que Ngo.
“Dr. Blaylock has always encouraged and motivated me to do my best. I am ecstatic to know that the COP will be in great hands under his leadership as he brings a sense of unity between pharmacy students and the faculty.”
The new pharmacy dean has a set of goals to make the college better. The first point of emphasis is on enhancing recruitment to get enrollment numbers up to what they used to be a few years ago.
He also wants to refine the current curriculum to better prepare pharmacy students for board exams. The first-time passing rate is currently 95 percent, and he hopes to improve upon that.
Blaylock also stated his desire to institute and develop an outreach into Northeast Louisiana to help deal with health care disparity.
“The lower Mississippi delta is probably the most medically under served area in the United States, and we have a golden opportunity to make a significant, positive impact on the people of the region of which we are apart.”
