Toyin Tofade: Breaking Barriers and Transforming Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS)
In July 2022, Dr. Toyin Tofade made history by becoming the first Black female president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS). But her story isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about what she’s built since stepping into that historic role.
From launching bold initiatives to driving record-breaking enrollment growth, Dr. Tofade’s leadership is reshaping ACPHS and inspiring a new generation of healthcare leaders.
Redefining Leadership at ACPHS
When Dr. Tofade assumed office, she didn’t just take on a title—she took on a mission. Her vision for ACPHS was clear: to future-proof the institution, foster an entrepreneurial mindset, and prepare students for the evolving landscape of healthcare and pharmacy.
Key Transformations Under Dr. Tofade’s Leadership:
– Strategic Overhaul: In March 2024, ACPHS launched a bold new strategic plan designed to strengthen the college’s academic offerings and expand its impact.
– ACPHS Online: Recognizing the growing need for flexible learning, she introduced ACPHS Online, making pharmacy and health sciences education more accessible to students worldwide.
– Academic Restructuring: Dr. Tofade restructured academic units to improve efficiency, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance student outcomes.
– Leadership Development: She implemented a leadership program for aspiring leaders, cultivating the next generation of healthcare change-makers.
– Entrepreneurial Culture: Under her guidance, ACPHS has embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging innovation both inside and outside the classroom.
Record-Breaking Growth and Impact:
Dr. Tofade’s transformative leadership hasn’t just changed policies; it’s produced tangible results:
– 18.58% Increase in total applications
– 35.03% Growth in student deposits
– A staggering 714.29% Rise in transfer admissions
– 210% Surge in PharmD year-one deposits
– Double the Industrial Fellowship Positions for graduates
2024 also marked the largest expansion in ACPHS history, with seven new degree programs approved, including:
– Bachelor’s Programs: Health Sciences, Psychology, Forensic Science, and Biology
– Master’s Programs: Biomedical Sciences and Cytotechnology
Enhancing the Student Experience:
Beyond the numbers, Dr. Tofade has significantly enriched the student experience:
– National Championships:
ACPHS celebrated victories in men’s track & field and women’s soccer, elevating the college’s athletic profile.
– Global Partnerships: She expanded collaborations at local, national, and international levels, opening doors for students to engage in research, internships, and global health initiatives.
– Media Recognition: The college has gained heightened visibility, positioning ACPHS as a leader in health sciences education.
A Trailblazer in Pharmacy Leadership
Before her groundbreaking role at ACPHS, Dr. Tofade’s career was already marked by excellence and leadership:
– Dean & Professor at Howard University College of Pharmacy
– Key Roles at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
– Clinical Specialist at UNC Hospitals
– Director of Pharmacotherapy Services at Wake AHEC
She became the first Black woman to serve as President of the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) Academic Pharmacy Section and was named an FIP Fellow in 2018. Dr. Tofade has also been a powerful voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion, contributing to policy advocacy within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
Recognitions and Achievements:
Dr. Tofade’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Her accolades include:
– Albany Business Review’s Power 50 Executive (two consecutive years)
– ASHP’s 2022 Donald E. Francke Medal
– UNC Pharmacy Alumni Association’s 2021 Distinguished Service Award.
– 2019 Fred M. Eckel Pharmacy Leadership Award
– 2018 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in America (NAPPSA)
Education and Lifelong Learning:
Dr. Tofade’s academic journey is as impressive as her career:
– BPharm from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
– MS in Pharmacy Practice
– PharmD from UNC Chapel Hill
– Leadership Programs at **
Harvard Kennedy School and Penn State
Inspiring the Next Generation:
Dr. Toyin Tofade’s story is more than a list of titles and achievements—it’s a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and transformative leadership. She’s not just paving the way for women and minorities in academia; she’s redefining what’s possible in healthcare education.
Her journey is an inspiration, proving that breaking barriers isn’t the end goal—transforming lives is.
Did Dr. Tofade’s story inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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