"Investing in leadership development isn't just about preparing individuals — it's about shaping the future of pharmacy education."
AACP's Academic Leadership Fellows Program supports and contributes to the development of leaders in academic pharmacy and higher education, providing an opportunity for Fellows to expand relationships with peers and colleagues in other institutions, as well as within their own college and university.
"Investing in leadership development isn't just about preparing individuals — it's about shaping the future of pharmacy education," said Lee Vermeulen, B.S.Pharm., M.S., FCCP, FFIP, Executive Vice President and CEO of AACP.
"The Academic Leadership Fellows Program empowers future leaders with leadership skill development, personal strengths exploration, and more. I’m confident that year’s cadre will undoubtedly make their mark in the profession."
Fellows will begin the year-long program in September 2025. Consisting of four in-person meetings, the program provides resources in conjunction with the experiential activities designed by the dean mentor at the home school or college. Critical topics addressing how to lead change, manage conflict, determine leadership styles and more will be covered during the four sessions.
New features added in recent years include virtual book and journal club discussions on a variety of leadership topics, as well as opportunities for enhanced ALFP alumni engagement.
Meet the latest cohort of Fellows from institutions across the U.S.
*Denotes Dean Facilitator. Dean Facilitators serve as mentors and co-facilitators of the program for all the fellows for the year.
Kylie Barnes, Pharm.D.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Director of Applied Skills and OSCE Implementation / Clinical Professor
Mitchell Barnett, Pharm.D., M.S.
Texas A&M University
Instructional Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lucas Berenbrok, Pharm.D., M.S.
University of Pittsburgh
Vice Chair for Education and Associate Professor
Scott Bolesta, Pharm.D.
Wilkes University
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Trisha Branan, Pharm.D.
The University of Georgia
Clinical Professor and Assistant Department Head for Professional Education
Jessica Burchette, Pharm.D.
East Tennessee State University
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Celeste Caulder, Pharm.D.
University of South Carolina
Clinical Associate Professor
David Colby, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
The University of Mississippi
Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of Online Graduate Programs for BioMolecular Sciences
Stacey Curtis, B.Pharm, Pharm.D.
University of Florida
Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Dean For Experiential Education
Vivek Dave, Ph.D., MBA
St. John Fisher University
Associate Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lindsey Dayer, Pharm.D.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of Experiential Education
Danielle Gundrum, Pharm.D.
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of Student Affairs
Anthony Guarascio, Pharm.D.
Duquesne University
Associate Professor and Division Head of the Pharmacy Practice Division
Jason Guy, Pharm.D.
The University of Findlay
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Drug Information Director
Keri Hager, Pharm.D.
University of Minnesota
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Professor
Kyle Hadden, Ph.D.
University of Connecticut
Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of Research and Graduate Programs
Renee Hayslett, Ph.D.
Mercer University
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Amy Henneman, Pharm.D.
Belmont University
Associate Professor and Pharmacy Practice Department Chair
Lila LaGrange, Ph.D.
University of the Incarnate Word
Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Brittany Long, Pharm.D.
Ohio Northern University
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Wanda Maldonado, B.S.Pharm., Pharm.D.*
University of Puerto Rico
Dean, School of Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmacy Practice
George Matthaiolampakis, Ph.D.
The University of Louisiana Monroe
Associate Director and Professor
Jennifer Phillips, Pharm.D.
University of Illinois Chicago
Clinical Professor and Director of Drug Information Group
Sam Poloyac, Pharm.D., Ph.D.*
The University of Texas at Austin
Dean, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy and James T. Doluisio Regents Chair
Ronny Priefer, Ph.D.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Associate Dean and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry
Mary Ray, B.S.Pharm, Pharm.D.
University of Iowa
Associate Dean and Clinical Associate Professor
Charmaine Rochester-Eyeguokan, Pharm.D.
University of Maryland
Professor of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research
Idaliz Rodriguez-Escudero, Pharm.D., M.S.
University of Puerto Rico
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Justin Samuel, Ph.D.
The University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Practice
Julie Sease, Pharm.D.*
University of South Carolina
Senior Associate Dean Professor, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Jeanna Sewell, Pharm.D.
Auburn University
Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Interprofessional Education
Chris Surrat, Ph.D.*
University of Cincinnati
Dean, University of Cincinnatti James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Charles Taylor, Pharm.D.*
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Tenured Professor of Pharmacotherapy; and Former Executive Vice President and Provost, University of North Texas Health Science Center
Danyelle Townsend, Ph.D., M.S.
Medical University of South Carolina
Professor and Department Chair of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences
Krystal Ward, Ph.D, MBA, M.A.
The University of New Mexico
Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Lecturer
Megan Wesling, Pharm.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacotherapy