Message to the USC School of Pharmacy Community from Charles F. Zukoski, USC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
July 9, 2021
Dear USC School of Pharmacy Community,
On behalf of President Folt, I am pleased to announce that Vassilios Papadopoulos has been reappointed Dean of the USC School of Pharmacy. We look forward to continuing to work with Dean Papadopoulos for another five years as he further advances the school towards a bold vision for the future.
This decision followed a comprehensive review process that was revamped last year in collaboration with the Academic Senate. The process included a survey and listening sessions with faculty, students and staff that provided important, thoughtful input. Details of the process are available here: https://www.provost.usc.edu/about/dean-review-process-2019-2020/.
In feedback from the review, Dean Papadopoulos was lauded for his clear vision, committed leadership and his strong connections to faculty, staff and students. He was praised for creating an inclusive environment in which faculty and staff feel invested in accomplishing the mission of the school. He is seen as driving the future of pharmacy education and is visible nationally in this area. He has expanded and improved the quality of undergraduate education.
In addition, Dean Papadopoulos invests in the development of innovative pharmacy services and has increased the visibility of the School of Pharmacy, especially in COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Los Angeles. He recruited outstanding faculty and he responds quickly and appropriately to issues that arise.
I want to thank the Pharmacy dean review committee for their service. The committee was chaired by University Professor Yang Chai, with members representing the breadth of the school. This was an enormous effort which resulted in a thorough and balanced analysis. I discussed all of the feedback with Dean Papadopoulos.
The faculty and staff of Pharmacy are recognized for exceptional education, research, and engagement programs that are enormously important during these disruptive times. During his tenure, Dean Papadopoulos established an environment that builds on these strengths, and he is poised to continue his leadership of the school and service to the university with increased vigor and impact. Please join us in thanking Dean Papadopoulos for his continued work.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Zukoski
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
cc: Office of the President
Academic Deans
President’s Senior Leadership Team
Provost’s Leadership Team
Academic Senate
Staff Assembly
GSG President
USG President