Tara Jenkins, PhD is named associate dean for academic affairs at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. She began her role on August 1.

Dr. Jenkins is a national leader in pharmacy education assessment and has served most recently as associate dean for assessment and curricular innovation at Touro University California College of Pharmacy. Her experience includes serving as associate dean for academic affairs at University of Houston College of Pharmacy as well as faculty positions at Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy. She brings to her role experience in community and health-system pharmacy.  

“Pacific has always been on the leading edge of pharmacy education,” said Dr. Jenkins. “The three-year accelerated program, which has had a lot of success, is now being implemented at other pharmacy schools across the nation. It is exciting to join an institution that sets the pace for others in this field and I am looking forward to working with our team as we continue to innovate in the years to come.”

She earned her bachelor of science in pharmacy and doctor of philosophy in pharmacy administration with an emphasis in health policy from University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy.

Her research has focused on student learning outcomes. She is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education. Dr. Jenkins was named a Fellow of the AACP Academic Leadership Fellowship Program and American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education. In 2012, she received an AACP Innovations in Teaching Award.

Pacific thanks Eric G. Boyce, PharmD for his years of service. Dr. Boyce will remain with the School as he begins his phased retirement, continuing to teach and publish, and helping Dr. Jenkins successfully transition into her new role.