MEET THE PRESIDENT

Brian L. Crabtree

doi:10.5688/ajpe756106

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The new President of American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) is Brian L. Crabtree, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He received a bachelor of science in pharmacy degree and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Mercer University and completed a postgraduate residency in mental health pharmacy practice at the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, Memphis. Dr. Crabtree has been on the faculty at Ole Miss since 1985 where among many responsibilities he precepts the psychiatry advanced pharmacy practice experience and has been instrumental in in the development of the problem-based learning curriculum, a model program that has been in place for over 15 years.

Brian has been a national leader in the area of psychiatric pharmacy practice. He has many publications to his credit in the areas of mental health and pharmacy education and has conducted research in various aspects of psychiatric pharmacotherapy. His current research interests focus on outcomes of treatment algorithms and pharmacoeconomic initiatives. He has received many awards and recognitions for his accomplishments, including the preceptor of the year award multiple times, the Thelma H. Cerniglia Distinguished Teaching Scholar award, and the Innovations in Teaching Award from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He was inducted into the University of Mississippi Medical Center Nelson Order, a society which recognizes excellence in teaching by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Brian is board-certified in psychiatric pharmacy and continues to provide service to patients at mental health facilities in Mississippi, serving as a psychopharmacologist at Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield. His responsibilities include provision of pharmaceutical care to psychiatric patients, including acute and chronic adult, geriatric, and child and adolescent psychiatric patients; developmentally disabled patients; chemically dependent patients; and nursing home patients.

Colleagues describe Brian as a true Southern gentleman, thoughtful, sincere, and kind. He is recognized as a phenomenal educator who has the ability to make the most complex topic interesting and understandable. He has the highest respect among his colleagues within pharmacy and in other health professions. He is especially helpful in working with young faculty members to develop teaching philosophies and to implement active-learning strategies. Brian is described as “down to earth” and funny. Dinner with him can lead to a grand tour of the vineyards of the world.

Brian has been an active member of AACP since 1985. Before his service as President he served as Chair of the Council of Faculties. He has served on many AACP Committees and task forces over the years and has also been a member of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

As President of AACP, Crabtree will be responsible for articulating a vision and providing leadership for the organization, chairing the board of directors, appointing and charging standing committees and ad hoc task forces, representing AACP at various meetings and outreach visits to colleges and schools of pharmacy, and reporting to the membership and House of Delegates at the annual meeting. He also aims to support diversity in the profession and academic disciplines.

Brian says “the love of my life” is his wife, Mary, who is also known by many in the AACP family. He has 3 children — Alan, Stephanie, and Steven — and 3 granddaughters — Marley, Catherine, and Presley.