Contact

Duquesne University School of Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy Building
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
(412) 396-6393
duq.edu/pharmacy

Our History

Founded in 1925, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy has been led by eight deans in its nearly 100 years of existence. Each dean's tenure closely paralleled major changes in pharmacy education, pharmacy as a profession and pharmacy practice. 

During the 30 years (1925-1955) of founding Dean Hugh C. Muldoon's leadership, the dominance of independent community pharmacy, the emergence of hospital pharmacy, and the implementation of the four-year bachelor's degree in pharmacy, which adhered to the tradition of a comprehensive university education, were essential developments in pharmacy at Duquesne and nationally. 

Tensions within community and hospital pharmacy practice, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and the somewhat controversial move to a five-year baccalaureate that incorporated liberal education in a predominately pharmaceutical sciences curriculum, characterized the short term (1955-1961) of John G. Adams, Ph.D., as the second Duquesne pharmacy school dean. 

Dean John S. Ruggiero, Ph.D., led the school during a period (1961-1970) in which the integration of clinical pharmacy and elective options into the five-year B.S. in Pharmacy curriculum and the relocation of the pharmacy school from Canevin Hall to the fourth floor of the new campus science building Mellon Hall for improved classroom, faculty and research facilities, were critical developments. 

As Dean (1970-1981), Bruce D. Martin, Ph.D., oversaw a substantial increase of pharmacy school student enrollment and of faculty numbers and the creation of a competency-based, outcomes-oriented curriculum that balanced the pharmaceutical sciences with the clinical, social, behavioral and administrative sciences and integrated a controlled experiential education component. 

During the lengthy deanship (1981-1998) of Douglas H. Kay, Ph.D., the faculty addressed the move toward the pharmaceutical care model in pharmacy education and practice and the implementation of the six-year professional doctoral degree program that would be a requirement for pharmacist licensure by the early 21st century. 

As Dean (1998-2006), R. Pete Vanderveen, Ph.D. and the faculty continued to evaluate, revise and update the competency-based, outcomes-oriented Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, to enhance physical and fiscal resources, and to develop new initiatives to address the challenges and potentialities in the ever-changing pharmacy practice and health care environment. 

Under Dean (2007-2020) J. Douglas Bricker, Ph.D., the School of Pharmacy started the Weekend Doctor of Pharmacy Program, the first of its kind in the nation, as well as the first Pharm.D. online program at Duquesne. Dean Bricker has also put into place a strategic five-year plan to prepare pharmacy students for the challenges of pharmacy practice in the 21st century. Under his leadership, three Academic Research Centers and an extensive Academic Partners Program were established. 

Under the leadership of Dean James K. Drennen, III, Ph.D., (2020-present), the School of Pharmacy earned re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). He is responsible for initiating a corporate partnership that will significantly expand enrollment in the online pathway. Under his leadership, the faculty have created new degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Foundations, the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences.  Dean Drennen recently oversaw a yearlong celebration to honor the school’s proud 100-year legacy of excellence in educating student pharmacists, highlighting a century of impact, innovation, and dedication to the profession!

Our Mission

The mission of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is to educate and mentor students who advance the profession of pharmacy and pharmaceutical research to improve the health outcomes of patients and their communities. 

Our Vision

The vision of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is to develop professionals, through student-centered experiences, who are recognized leaders, innovators and advocates in all areas of pharmacy practice and research.

Administration and Faculty

James K. Drennen, III, Ph.D.
Dean of the School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Director of the Duquesne University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology

Monica L. Skomo, B.S. Pharm., Pharm.D., BCACP, CTTS
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Administration
Senior Advisor to the Dean

Carl A. Anderson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs

Amy Woods, Pharm.D., M.S. Leadership
Assistant Dean of Student Services

Pamela H. Koerner, B.S. Pharm., Pharm.D., BCPS
Associate Dean of Curriculum and Professional Engagement
Director of the Pharmacy Alumni Association

Anthony J. Guarascio, Pharm.D., BCIDP
Division Head of the Pharmacy Practice Division
Director of International Education
Director of the Giant Eagle Center for Pharmacy Practice

Wilson S. Meng, B.S. Pharm., Ph.D.
Division Head of the Pharmaceutical, Administrative and Social Sciences Division
William Patrick Power, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Academic Leadership

Ira S. Buckner, Ph.D.
Director of Assessment

Jennifer Padden Elliott, Pharm.D.
Director of the Center for Integrative Health
Fritzky Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Medicine and Wellbeing

Marsha McFalls, Pharm.D., MSEd, RPh
Director of Educational Technology
Director of Distance Education and the Online PharmD Pathway

Branden D. Nemecek, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS
Director of Residency Programs

Elizabeth Barton, Pharm.D.
Director of the Center for Pharmacy Care

Kurt W. Wolfgang, Pharm.D.
Director of Post-Graduate Preparation

Debra DiBiasi, M.S.
Director of Business, Administration, and Marketing

Morgan Martinson, Pharm.D.
Director of Experiential Education

Lisa C. Radio, M.S.Ed
Assistant Director of Experiential Education - Distant and Online Learning

Jason Stack, MBA, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Retention

Christopher Hagan, M.Ed.
Director of Student Progression and Advancement

Jennifer Padden Elliott
Fritzky Family Chair of Integrative Medicine and Wellbeing
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University

Karen M. Fancher
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Gale E. Garmong
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Anthony J. Guarascio
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., West Virginia University

Abigail Harvey
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University

Christa C.J. Kirk
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., University of Kansas

Pamela H. Koerner
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Holly Lassila
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Dr.P.H., University of Pittsburgh
M.P.H., University of Pittsburgh
B.S. Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh

Jamie L. McConaha
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University

Marsha McFalls
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Courtney A. Montepara
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy

Branden D. Nemecek
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center
B.S. Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Christine K. O'Neil
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Michael W. Perry
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Ohio Northern University

Rebecca Schoen
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Purdue University

Monica L. Skomo
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Autumn L. Stewart-Lynch
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University

Kurt W. Wolfgang
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Duquesne University

David E. Zimmerman
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharm.D., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy

Social and Administrative Sciences

Jordan R. Covvey
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Administration
Ph.D., University of Strathclyde (Scotland)
Pharm.D., University of Kentucky

Medicinal Chemistry

Timothy Evans
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ph.D., Duquesne University
B.S., Slippery Rock University

David Lapinsky
Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Pharmaceutics

Carl A. Anderson
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
B.S., California State University-Fullerton

Ira S. Buckner
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics
Ph.D., University of Iowa
B.S., Illinois State University

James K. Drennen, III
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

Vivek Gupta
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
B.Pharm., Jamia Hamdard (University)

Jelena M. Janjic
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Dipl.Farm., Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Wilson S. Meng
Professor of Pharmaceutics
William Patrick Power, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Academic Leadership
Ph.D., University of Southern California
B.S. Pharmacy, University of Maryland

Sam Sprowls
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ph.D., West Virginia University
B.S., Waynesburg University

Peter L.D. Wildfong
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics
Ph.D., Purdue University
Dip. Pharm., R&D Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology (Canada)
B.S., McMaster University (Canada)

Pharmacology

Jane E. Cavanaugh
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State College of Medicine
B.A., Franklin & Marshall

Rehana K. Leak
Professor of Pharmacology
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
M.Sc., University of Pittsburgh
B.A., Barnard College

Lauren A. O'Donnell
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
B.S., University of Delaware

Paula A. Witt-Enderby
Professor of Pharmacology
Ph.D., University of Arizona
B.S., University of Illinois

Lawrence Block
Ph.D., University of Maryland
M.S., University of Maryland
B.S. Pharmacy, University of Maryland

Aleem Gangjee
Ph.D., University of Iowa
M.S., Indian Institute of Technology
B.S., Indian Institute of Technology

Marc W. Harrold
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University

J. Douglas Bricker
Ph.D., Duquesne University
B.A., Franciscan University

Bruce D. Martin
Ph.D., University of Illinois
B.S. Pharmacy, Albany College of Pharmacy

Academic Research Centers

The vision of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is to develop professionals, through student-centered experiences, who are recognized leaders, innovators and advocates in all areas of pharmacy practice and research.

The Duquesne University Center for Integrative Health (DUCIH) is committed to improving the health and wellness of our campus and neighboring communities through interdisciplinary practice, teaching and research. We provide chronic disease prevention and management programs from pediatrics through adulthood, and our students are trained in an interdisciplinary teaching, research and service model. 
 
The DUCIH encompasses the activities of both the Center for Pharmacy Care (CPC) and a variety of community health initiatives. The CPC is a provider of disease prevention and management services for the Duquesne University campus community. The University's Community Health Initiatives include community-based health programs in collaboration with a diverse group of community partners to meet residents where they are, decrease disease disparity, and promote health equity in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. 
 
The DUCIH supports meaningful engagement with patients, communities and stakeholders to facilitate research that not only will improve health outcomes but the overall health care system. 
The Center for Pharmacy Care is mission-driven and offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive clinical pharmacy services. The goal of the Center for Pharmacy Care is to improve access to medications and patient adherence, while enhancing medication safety and reducing overall health care expenditures. 
The Duquesne University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology (DCPT) focuses on improving the safety, quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing through the application of relevant technology. The Center functions as a point of convergence for the research interests of faculty and those of collaborators who develop technology related to pharmaceutical manufacturing. 
The goal of the Giant Eagle Center for Pharmacy Practice is to provide an environment for student pharmacists to integrate, reinforce, enhance, and apply classroom learning. The Center demonstrates how classroom knowledge is related to actual pharmacy practice through the use of state-of-the-art technology, simulation and formalized patient evaluation/assessment. 

Professional Student Organizations

The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) is a professional association representing nearly 3000+ psychiatric pharmacists, residents, and pharmacy students. AAPP’s membership consists of pharmacists who specialize in treating patients living with psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. Psychiatric pharmacists have extensive training and expertise in medication treatment and the psychosocial factors inherent within these illnesses. They are responsible for evidence-based patient-centered assessment, medication management of complex regimens, and comprehensive care plan development. Psychiatric pharmacists work collaboratively with medical and mental health interprofessional teams to improve patients' short- and long-term outcomes. They extend their reach by partnering with and educating patients, families, and providers and advocating for the appropriate use of medications. 
The mission of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) is to improve human health by extending the frontiers of clinical pharmacy through leadership, professional development, and advocacy. ACCP is dedicated to excellence in patient care, research and education. The student ACCP chapter aims to provide information about careers and opportunities within the field of clinical pharmacy to students. As members of ACCP, students will advocate for the role of clinical pharmacists in providing patient care, including evaluation of the patient and his or her pharmacotherapeutic needs. ACCP membership provides students with professional development, enhancement of research skills, and service and leadership opportunities. 
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) is a professional association that leads the way to help patients get medications they need at a cost they can afford. AMCP advocates for developing and applying evidence-based medicine use strategies that improve access to medication, enhance individual patient and population health outcomes, and promote the wise use of healthcare spending. AMCP provides students the opportunity to learn more about the field of managed care pharmacy and its associated career pathways such as working for a health plan, PBM, pharmaceutical manufacturer, specialty pharmacy, and many more through a large networking event each year! AMCP student chapter is also known for their Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Competition, providing students the opportunity to work in teams to create a drug monograph for a new medication.  
The Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) is an academy within the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). ASP has been an integral part of APhA for over 40 years and boasts thousands of members across pharmacy schools nationwide. Its mission is to be the collective voice of student pharmacists, to provide opportunities for professional growth, to improve patient care, and to envision and advance the future of pharmacy. APhA-ASP provides unique and professional opportunities for student pharmacists ranging from leadership programs, policy and advocacy, fundraising events, and a focus on patient care screening events. Seven patient care committees including Operation Diabetes, Operation Immunization, Operation Heart, Operation Reproductive Health, Operation Substance Use Disorders, OTC Medicine Safety, and Women's Health Campaign allow student pharmacists to provide medication and disease state education to patients in the surrounding Duquesne community. 
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) empowers pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to enhance quality of care for all older persons through the appropriate use of medication and the promotion of healthy aging. The local chapter was formed in 2012 to educate student pharmacists regarding their future role in managing geriatric patient care. The organization provides various opportunities to explore the Consultant Pharmacist career path while serving the elderly population. 
Founded in 1990, Helping to Educate and Rehabilitate Together (H.E.A.R.T.) was established as a student organization at Duquesne University. Its membership is comprised of concerned pharmacy students who have an interest in or whose lives have been affected by the problems associated with substance use disorders. H.E.A.R.T. hopes to diminish the prevalence of substance use disorders among pharmacy students, pharmacists, and the community through education and enhanced awareness of this illness. H.E.A.R.T. features guest speakers who are in recovery and other health care professionals who specialize in addiction and substance use disorders. The organization further assists in the planning and organizing of the Interprofessional Substance Use Disorder Awareness Program for all first professional year pharmacy students and students enrolled in the School of Health Sciences. 
IPhO is dedicated to advancing the careers of pharmacists in industry. Its mission is to provide timely and relevant information to its membership, raise awareness among employers about the role that pharmacists can play in drug development and appropriate medication counseling, provide targeted resources and coaching to enhance continuing education and professional development of its members, create opportunities for members to network and exchange ideas, and provide access to employment opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry. 
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is an organization dedicated to promoting independent pharmacy practice. It is committed to developing a business-minded perspective towards pharmacy in order to provide optimal healthcare to the public. The NCPA student chapter participates in the annual business plan competition, which helps to foster the development of the student pharmacist as both a practitioner and entrepreneur. 
The mission of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) is to improve the lives of children by advocating for safe and effective medication use in children through collaboration, advocacy, research, and education. The PPA advances its mission by promoting awareness of optimal medication therapy in conjunction with other health care professionals through the coordination of an effective communication network. The Duquesne University chapter was formed in 2012. 
As the leading voice of pharmacy in the state, the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association - Allegheny County Pharmacists Association (PPA-ACPA) Academy of Student Pharmacists promotes the profession through advocacy, education, and communication to enhance patient care and public health. PPA-ACPA is a professional organization comprised of licensed pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others who reside, work, attend college, or are interested in pharmacy in Pennsylvania. Chartered as a professional student pharmacy organization on the Duquesne University campus during the 2007-2008 academic year, the student chapter strives to raise awareness about the important role pharmacists and student pharmacists play in health care. It does so by providing educational outreach to the general public and by meeting with state legislators to advocate for the profession of pharmacy and the patients that we serve. 
The Pennsylvania Society of Health System Pharmacists (PSHP), otherwise referred to as the Student Society of Health System Pharmacists (SSHP), exposes student pharmacists to the multitude of practice settings within health system pharmacy such as hospital practice, infusion services, and long-term care. PSHP/SSHP promotes safe, proper and cost-effective medication use, serves as an advocate for patient access to appropriate drug therapy, enhances public awareness of the value of care provided by pharmacists, and promotes pharmacy as an essential component of the health care team. It further encourages student pharmacists to seek postgraduate residencies aimed at higher education and advanced patient care. PSHP/SSHP is responsible for service events, advocacy activities, and residency informational sessions throughout the academic year. PSHP/SSHP hopes to better prepare student pharmacists as they enter the health system setting, as well as encourage student pharmacists to achieve leadership positions both within the pharmacy profession as well as within their future prospective practice setting. 
The Eta Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), a national honorary pharmacy leadership society, was chartered at Duquesne University in 1980. The society recognizes and encourages leadership in the profession of pharmacy. The society selects students for membership who have completed at least one semester of the professional curriculum and have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities. PLS hosts the annual Student Leadership Retreat and the Spring Induction and Awards Ceremony, actively engages in community service, and promotes other projects and initiatives focused on leadership development among both its members and non-members. 
Rho Chi is a national honor society recognizing the scholastic achievement of the top 20 percent of each year's pharmacy class, based upon a cumulative grade point average. The society was granted a charter at Duquesne University in 1941 as the Alpha Beta Chapter. Members are inducted into this prestigious organization during the spring semester of the PY2 year. Rho Chi takes pride as leaders in the profession by encouraging and recognizing intellectual excellence. It honors pharmacy students for achieving and exemplifying the highest standards of academic integrity, knowledge, and skill. As part of its chapter mission and initiatives, members of the Rho Chi Society offer individual tutoring services and exam review sessions to pharmacy students enrolled at Duquesne University. 
The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) was founded in 1972 as the student affiliate of the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA). The student chapter of SNPhA at Duquesne University was established in 2002. SNPhA is an education and service association of student pharmacists who are concerned about pharmacy and health care issues and the need for greater minority representation in pharmacy and other health professions. It is dedicated to serving the underserved. 

Professional Pharmacy Fraternities

Kappa Epsilon (KE) is a professional fraternity committed to supporting student pharmacists in their academic, personal, and professional development. The mission of Kappa Epsilon is to unite pharmacy students, faculty, and alumni by empowering members to achieve competence, cultivate leadership within the profession and community, and engage in meaningful service. The Alpha Phi chapter at Duquesne University was chartered in October 1999 and continues to uphold these values through a variety of impactful initiatives. Each October, KE hosts its Annual Women’s Health Luncheon, with proceeds benefiting organizations that promote women’s health – reflecting the fraternity’s national philanthropic focus on breast and ovarian cancer awareness. Throughout the academic year, members participate in biweekly chapter meetings, social events including formals, Tea with KE, Big/Little mentorship connections, and exam review sessions designed to foster academic success and strengthen relationships. KE also engages with the broader community through events like the Annual Health and Wellness Fair in Mellon Square of Downtown Pittsburgh and various campus initiatives. Service is a cornerstone of KE’s mission, as the chapter organizes food and clothing drives, collects women’s hygiene products, volunteers at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and participates in events such as the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk and Together in Teal Walk, which supports ovarian cancer research and advocacy.

Kappa Psi is the oldest and largest pharmaceutical fraternity in the world. It was founded in 1879 at the Russell Military Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. It currently includes collegiate and graduate chapters across the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas. The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Psi at Duquesne University was founded in 1967. Responding to an increased number of women entering the pharmacy profession, Delta Epsilon amended its constitution in 1986 and began accepting women. Its mission is to advance the profession of pharmacy-educationally, fraternally and socially; to instill industry, sobriety, fellowship and high ideals in its members; and to foster scholarship and pharmaceutical research.
Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS) is an international professional pharmacy fraternity that was founded at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1913. Tau Chapter was launched at Duquesne in 1932.  Open to all students regardless of gender, LKS promotes and supports the engagement of women in the pharmacy profession. It continues to grow with the addition of the local alumni chapter. Recognized as the LKS Collegiate Chapter of the Year 2019-2020, the chapter philanthropy is Project HOPE, an organization that provides medical relief to countries in need. LKS participates in numerous service, professional, social, and fundraising events. Annual events include the Project HOPE Brunch, Ronald McDonald House volunteer days, charity events, women's health presentations, spring formal, Tree Teas, and dinner with alumni members. Involvement within the organization, university, and community is a key focus. 
Founded in 1960, the Duquesne University Beta Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Chi (PDC) national pharmacy fraternity endeavors to integrate academic, spiritual, and social activities while fostering the highest professional and personal ideals. The Beta Gamma chapter at Duquesne is nationally heralded as one of the outstanding Phi Delta Chi chapters. Throughout its long and storied history, the chapter has won 13 Emory W. Thurston awards, which is Phi Delta Chi's highest honor. The chapter merited the Phi Delta Chi National Professional and Service Projects Award for its extensive work both on campus and in the surrounding community. It was further recognized by the Professional Fraternity Association, a national organization that encompasses professional fraternities and sororities from a variety of majors, by receiving its Outstanding Community Service Award. A fraternity of both men and women, PDC participates in annual "Movember" events and fundraising activities to support the fight against prostate cancer. Other philanthropies include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Gilda's Club of Pittsburgh.