Amy Pittenger named College of Pharmacy interim dean

Amy Pittenger, PharmD, MS, PhD, was appointed interim dean of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, effective Sept. 4, 2024.

Pittenger currently serves as professor and head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems. She replaces current dean, Lynda S. Welage, PharmD, FCCP, who will remain in her role as professor in the school’s Department of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology.

“I know that Dr. Pittenger will provide consensus-driven leadership and stability for everyone in the College of Pharmacy community, working with the college’s leadership team, governance, faculty, staff, students, and key stakeholders,” said U of M Provost Rachel Croson, who announced the appointment on July 24. “I am confident that she will continue to be an excellent leader during this interim period, and I look forward to working with her and the college’s leadership during this transition period.”

Pittenger has recently served as interim associate dean of professional education. She has also held several University-wide leadership roles, including as chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee, faculty liaison for online and digital education strategy, and faculty fellow in the Provost‘s Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs. She is a scholar and teacher with additional professional experience in clinical research, clinical care, interprofessional education, and the pharmaceutical industry. 

Pittenger earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1992 and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1993 from the U of M College of Pharmacy. After graduation, she continued her training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in the Clinical Scientist Program, where she received a Master of Science in Clinical Science. Following the completion of this training, Dr. Pittenger joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Pittenger returned to Minnesota to accept a position in the Scientific and Medical Affairs Division of Parke-Davis as a Medical Liaison. In 2000, Dr. Pittenger joined DaVita Clinical Research as a clinical scientist. 

Dr. Pittenger joined the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in April 2005. She earned a PhD from the College of Education and Human Development, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Learning Technologies Program in 2011. 

“I’m honored to be named interim dean and excited to promote all of the great things about the college as we recruit our next dean,” said Pittenger. 

Provost Croson said a formal dean search process will commence this fall.