Dr. Kelly Shields, associate dean at the Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, recently completed the American Association Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Academic Leadership Fellows Program (ALFP). The year-long fellowship began in July 2015, and finished with a commencement ceremony on July 23, 2016, at the AACP Annual Meeting in Anaheim Calif.

The ALFP program, now in its 13th year, supports and contributes to the development of leaders in academic pharmacy and higher education.  The program provides an opportunity for Fellows to expand relationships with peers and colleagues in other institutions, as well as within the college and university. The four-session, year-long program includes in-depth talent and leadership development, team building, exploration of legislative and public policy issues critical to pharmaceutical and higher education, assessing personal and interpersonal competencies for leadership, practical management responsibilities and administrative competencies of an academic pharmacy administrator, and leadership in the external area of advocacy of the profession.

In June 2016, Dr. Shields was promoted to associate dean of the Raabe College of Pharmacy. In this position, she oversees academic affairs, provides oversight for the college’s academic programs and ensures the college meets all accreditation standards for the doctor of pharmacy program in addition to other senior leadership responsibilities. Her previous posts with the college have included serving as director of the Drug and Health Information Center, and for the last five years, as assistant dean and director of student services. 

“Dr. Shields demonstrates leadership among our faculty, staff, and students. Her skills and abilities make her the logical choice for our next associate dean. I look forward to her vision and guidance for our program in the coming years,” stated Steve Martin, dean of the ONU College of Pharmacy.