![Lynda Welage](/sites/pharmacy.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-02/welage_300x400_1.jpg?itok=koAb5B0g)
Dear alumni and friends,
The calendar has turned over since our last issue of The Record and we have welcomed the bustle of a new semester and a new year. These beginnings are always a time to reflect on the past year, while being energized by the many opportunities that lie ahead.
In brief, our past year was filled with transitions as we moved from the pandemic to what is our newer state of working and learning together. We also launched several new initiatives including:
- the integration of the Center for Allied Health Programs (including medical laboratory sciences and occupational therapy) into the college
- the start of our reflective self-study process to support our 2023 accreditation site visit, while also using it as opportunity for continuous improvement and celebrating our uniqueness
- the launch of the preliminary work supporting the reimagining of our professional program
Twenty-twenty-two also produced many outstanding achievements by our students, faculty, staff, preceptors and alumni. You all made us so proud.
As we look to 2023, with a continued commitment to our mission to Improve health through innovative education, pioneering research, and interdisciplinary practice development that attends to the diverse needs of the people of Minnesota and the world, we are excited about the work that lies ahead.
- With the recent adoption of the blueprint which frames our reimagined professional program, we are working feverishly to prepare for the launch of the new program in fall 2023.
- Our current professional program remains strong and exemplary, as is exemplified by our amazing alumni. Faculty and staff made a commitment to our existing professional students to continue working every day to continually improve the program to meet our students’ needs and prepare them for evolving roles in the profession.
- We are planning to develop new bachelor of science programs including a freshman admitting medical laboratory sciences BS program and, in time, two new BS programs for occupational therapy assistants, and a program in pharmaceutical sciences.
- The University has announced the MPact Health Care Innovation vision aligned with MPact 2025 goals. All health sciences schools are working together to shape this vision.
Throughout the year we will keep you informed on these initiatives, but also on other aspects of our program including new research initiatives, our commitment to addressing health inequities and for partnering with individuals throughout the state to advance the pharmacy profession. Remember also to stay connected- share your stories with us and plan on attending our events.
With gratitude,
![lynda welage signature](/sites/pharmacy.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_fifth/public/2023-02/lynda_black_0.jpg?itok=nqi-vivm)
Lynda S. Welage, PharmD, FCCP
Dean