WOMEN CEO Deans of United States Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy

Abstract

Objective. Seventy-four women have served as chief executive officer (CEO) deans of US colleges and schools of pharmacy from 1988-December 31, 2020. This article examines the characteristics of those women with the objective of providing information useful for preparing future women deans.

Methods. Public domain resources were employed to obtain information about women pharmacy CEO deans including institutions where individuals served or are serving, dates of service, academic background, whether they were a founding dean, racial and ethnic diversity, and if they served or are serving in other academic higher education positions. Descriptive statistics (means, medians, standard deviations, and percentages) were used for data comparisons (quantitative research). Three early women CEO deans provide perspectives about their deanships in the Appendix (qualitative research).

Results and Discussion. The median length of service is 6 years for current women deans and 8 years for women who have completed deanships. The percentage of deans holding a PhD has declined to 32.4% with a concurrent rise in deans having a PharmD (58.8%); 79.4% of current deans and 77% of all 74 deans have a professional pharmacy degree (BSPharm, PharmD or both). Women have served or are currently serving as CEO deans at a wide variety of pharmacy schools. The percentage of schools with women deans has declined in recent years to 24%. Possible explanations for this decline are explored.

Conclusion. Recommendations are put forward to prepare future women deans including increased mentoring and creation of an advanced leadership program aimed at potential deans.