Former Michigan professor to become new Pharmacy dean

Earlier this month, UNM’s College of Pharmacy named Dr. Lynda Welage its new dean.

Welage will assume the position in mid-October, and said she hopes to push the College of Pharmacy and its students toward national recognition.

“I think numbers of opportunities for students are growing every day,” Welage said. “I think it’s my passion to help students at the University of New Mexico fulfill their dreams as future pharmacists, and that’s exposing them to the variety of career opportunities throughout the pharmacy profession.”

Welage taught at the University of Michigan’s College of Pharmacy in the department of clinical sciences and served as associate dean for academic affairs. She also served as a program director at the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research.

Paul Roth, chancellor for Health Sciences at UNM, said he looks forward to working with Welage.

“We are fortunate in finding someone with her devotion and commitment to education and research to lead the UNM COP,” he said in a press release.

Interim dean Donald Godwin said the College was looking for a dean with experience working with both graduate and professional pharmacy students, clinical practice and different types of research.

“Dr. Welage was, of the candidates we brought in, by far the most qualified person in each of those areas,” he said.

Godwin said he sees Welage bringing new ideas and new energy to the College of Pharmacy along with her knowledge and experience.

“The College of Pharmacy and the Health Sciences Center have made a very wise choice in selecting Lynda to be our next dean,” Godwin said.

Welage replaces John A. Pieper, who served from 2002 to 2010 and left UNM for an opportunity at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in Missouri.