The American Pharmacists Association awarded Dr. Henry Lewis, III, dean of Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, its 2009 Hugo H. Schaefer Award in early April.
The Hugo Schaefer Award is the American Pharmacists Association’s second highest award given to APhA members to recognize those who have made outstanding voluntary contributions to both, the profession of pharmacy and society
“This award puts FAMU in the national spotlight as producing individuals who impact their profession and society on local, state and national level,” Lewis said.
Michael Jackson, executive vice president and chief executive officer for the Florida Pharmacy Association, nominated Lewis for the award.
“We nominated him based on his commitment for [the] pharmacy profession and society, his fast track record and the support he has for our organization,” Jackson said.
Jackson added that Lewis was the perfect nominee.
“We would be negligent if we did not nominate him,” Jackson added.
The APhA Board of Trustees made the selection based upon careful review of complete nominations.
Chief Communications Officer Sharon Saunders said the university is proud of Lewis and his contributions to FAMU.
“It is under his leadership that the university has created a group of graduates who have achieved excellence, securing a 100 percent passage rate on their licensure exam,” Saunders said. “We celebrate this achievement.”
Lewis has been employed with FAMU for 30 years. Of those 30 years, he has served as dean for the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for the past 14 years. Lewis also served as assistant professor, assistant dean, dean and interim president for the college.
“Dr. Lewis’s award will certainly enhance the standing and reputation of the College and the University,” said Interim Associate Dean for the College of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences Thomas J. Fitzgerald. “This award is a well-deserved honor for his many accomplishments and contributions.”
Saunders pointed out that Lewis is an outstanding administrator who is skilled at what he does.
“He has been able to develop a model program that is competitive with any in the state and nation,” Saunders said. “He is an asset to Florida A&M University, Tallahassee and the State of Florida.”
A Tallahassee native, Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from FAMU and doctor of pharmacy from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy. He also attended the Institute for Education Management at Harvard University for his post-doctoral training.
Lewis’ goals for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals Science includes developing the joint PharmD/MBA and PharmD/PhD degree programs and complete the final stage of the pharmacy building.