Dean, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Department

SOP-Office of the Dean-450100

Career Area

Academic Administration

Posting Open Date

05/21/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Type

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title

Dean, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Appointment Type

Administrative and Managerial

Position Number

01002545

Vacancy ID

NF0009786

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time Permanent

Fte

Hours Per Week

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date

01/01/2027

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy ( is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Dean is the School’s Chief Executive and Academic Officer and will provide academic, intellectual, and administrative leadership to the School. The Dean leads the effort in creating a vision and advancing the mission of the School, with responsibility for the academic and research enterprise, advancement and development functions, personnel, general administration and management, compliance and risk management, and budget. The appointment is reviewed every five years.

The Dean

• Serves as chief executive and academic administrative officer of the School of Pharmacy. The dean plans for, and stewards, the fiscal and material resources needed to offer the educational, research, and service programs of the School.
• Administers the School’s educational, research, and public service programs. Consults and collaborates with faculty and administrators on decisions related to school strategy, including academic affairs.
• Recommends to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost the appointments, promotions, and tenure of School of Pharmacy faculty members.
• Serves as the School’s representative on various University policy and decision bodies and is the official representative of the School to external constituencies.
• Leads the School’s advancement and development activities to promote the school’s vision, mission, values and strategic plan. Stewards advancement/development by serving as a voting member of the Board of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Foundation and presents the School’s accomplishments and needs to that body. Collaborates with individuals, groups, schools, programs, alumni, and organizations within the University, the broader Pharmacy and health care community and the public at large to promote the goals of the School.
• Assures compliance with the general policies and practices of the University of North Carolina including affirmative action policies and regulations governing academic standards and faculty appointment, promotion, and tenure. Assures compliance with the regulatory standards of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and with the professional standards of educational accrediting bodies. Oversees the School’s risk management plan.
• Stewards the management and viability of the School’s satellite campus in Asheville, NC at UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC.
• Leads strategic planning and policy development activities of the School.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

An earned terminal degree, record of exceptional leadership success, and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement is required.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Extensive experience in pharmacy professional and graduate program administration and executive leadership. Progressive academic leadership experience . Strong track record of independently-funded scholarship. Demonstrated record of fostering excellence in research, teaching and service.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Former experience in pharmacy school administrative role.

Ability to think strategically and build effective institutional partnerships;

Demonstrated administrative experience, a high standard of professional integrity, and strong team-building skills;

Ability to articulate effectively the School’s vision and mission to the students, faculty , alumni, practitioners, external funding agencies, and other decision-making bodies.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Special Instructions

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by July 27, 2026 . Applications should include a 1) current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above. Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting the university in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner

Buffkin / Baker

***email_hidden***

Buffkin / Baker website: