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Writer: Angie Meus
Florida A&M has named an interim dean to lead its College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Seth Ablordeppey, who has worked in the COPPS for more than 17 years, has done a tremendous amount of research and has set a standard for his colleagues prior to taking the interim position.
The change comes as former dean, Dr. Henry Lewis III, accepted the presidency of Florida Memorial University in Miami.
While he is humbled by the position, Ablordeppey recognizes that the task ahead will be far from easy. Ablordeppey acknowledges that following in the footsteps of Lewis will be tough, as he set very high academic standards.
“Dr. Lewis has been dean for 15 or more years. He has a wealth of experience that he has brought to the College,” said Ablordeppey.
But Ablordeppy plans to build upon Lewis’ legacy and has high expectations for the College of Pharmacy and for the students who wish to pursue a career in the field.
“The first thing I want to do is bring back stability to the college, stabilizing what it does and I want to look at where we go from here,” said Ablordeppey.
Interim Associate Dean and Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Marlon S. Honeywell is delighted to be working with Ablordeppey.
“He is a phenomenal professor and leader,” said Honeywell.
While Ablordeppey carries a positive attitude about the future of COPPS, he also accepts that there are some limitations that must be overcome.
“One of the limitations we have is money,” said Ablordeppey. “One of the things we want to do is to find ways by which we can increase the amount of money coming into the college so that we can do the things that we plan to do.”
Despite these limitations, Ablordeppey along with faculty members and students see the opportunities that are sure to come about with the campus in Crestview, Fla.
The satellite campus is expected to increase the number of students coming into the program and will provide an opportunity for students in that area to be a part of the pharmacy program.
Honeywell feels that it is great opportunity as well.
“It is a great project for FAMU and for the city of Crestview,” said Honeywell.
Robert Gaines, a second year pre-pharmacy student from Jacksonville, embraces the new branch and feels that it is definitely a good idea.
“It would be good for people who are on the west end of Florida. They wouldn’t have to travel so far from home,” said Gaines.
Ashton Cobb, also a second year pre-pharmacy student from Jacksonville, realizes the benefits of having a satellite pharmacy program in Crestview.
“It would be beneficial and it is great that they can do that for people in that area so that they don’t have to come to Tallahassee,” said Cobb.
While there is much work to be done, Ablordeppey looks forward to the many opportunities that are in store.