Western New England University College of Pharmacy Receives Full Accreditation

Press Release

Western New England University College of Pharmacy Dean Evan Robinson, PhD, recently announced that the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has granted full accreditation status to the university’s College of Pharmacy.

The ACPE is the national agency that sets the standards for professional degrees in the education of pharmacists. This completes the final accreditation step for the College of Pharmacy that graduated its founding class on May 17, 2015.

The College of Pharmacy enrolled its first class of Doctor of Pharmacy students in 2011. With enrollment limited to about 75 students per year, the faculty and staff are able to build strong relationships with each learner.

“From the earliest stages of this endeavor everyone came together to develop the academic program literally from the ground up,” said Dr. Robinson. “I cannot thank the dedicated faculty, staff, and administration enough for all the hard work and effort put forth to develop the program. The final thanks go to all our learners and the graduates from the Class of 2015, who enrolled and blazed a trail for others to follow.”

The ACPE Board also acknowledged two noteworthy practices by the College of Pharmacy. First, a particular strength in the Professional Development sequence that provides co-curricular opportunities for student professional development in concert with the curriculum. Second, the College of Pharmacy places great emphasis on the importance of professionalism both within the curriculum and in co-curricular/ extra-curricular activities. These efforts have resulted in learners embracing the need for professionalism in their interactions with peers, faculty, practitioners, and patients.

“I am certain that the College of Pharmacy will be a nationally recognized leader in pharmacy education,” remarked Western New England University President Anthony S. Caprio. “The College of Pharmacy has developed an innovative curriculum under the remarkable leadership of Dean Evan Robinson, who has successfully recruited a highly talented faculty, to bring the College to this accreditation recognition.”

The College of Pharmacy is located within the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy, a new 127,000 square foot facility that opened in January 2011, and houses the College of Pharmacy and the other science departments from physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology.

“The University provided a uniquely designed and state-of-the-art learning facility to house the College of Pharmacy,” Dr. Robinson said.

“Congratulations to Western New England University, the College of Pharmacy and all the students and faculty on full accreditation,” remarked Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “The College of Pharmacy enhances the already outstanding higher education opportunities the City of Springfield has to offer. It is also an economic driver, bringing hundreds of additional students and faculty to live, work and strengthen the city and the greater Springfield region.”

For more information about the College of Pharmacy academic programs visit: http://www1.wne.edu/pharmacy/home.cfm.