The Binghamton University Symposium, titled “Cultivating Generations of Successful Pharmacists,” took place on Friday, April 24. It was a full-day event held at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The symposium featured a keynote presentation followed by three breakout sessions. Deans from various pharmacy schools in the Northeast led discussions aimed at improving faculty networking and support across different career stages. Kanneboyina Nagaraju, the dean of Binghamton’s pharmacy school, praised the event, mentioning the importance of mentorship and community in building future leaders.
“Our discussions shared the challenges faced in academic pharmacy,” Nagaraju said. “But they also highlighted resilience and institutional support as crucial elements for success.”
The day kicked off with a welcoming lunch and a tour, featuring remarks from Provost Donald Hall, who celebrated the achievements of the School of Pharmacy. He mentioned that the school had produced 65 published papers and secured millions in funding. However, Hall emphasized that there is always more work to do, particularly in nurturing junior faculty.
The centerpiece of the day was a discussion between Lucinda Maine and Marilyn Speedie, both esteemed figures in pharmacy education. They highlighted the importance of community, opportunities for individual success, and recognition in fostering thriving careers. Maine pointed out that as the number of pharmacy schools has surged—from 84 to 142 in 15 years—new faculty members sometimes feel unprepared for the demands of their roles.
They suggested asking key questions to foster employee engagement:
- Building a sense of community: Do faculty members feel connected and valued within their institution?
- Creating opportunities for individual success: Is there support for career growth?
- Recognition and appreciation: Are faculty members acknowledged for their contributions?
Spinler, who co-led the event, noted how impactful mentoring can be: “Even small moments of guidance can greatly affect someone’s career.”
Breakout sessions tackled specific issues facing early and mid-career faculty. Topics included how to balance teaching and research and the need for leadership development. Anne Lin, a dean at St. John’s University, attended seeking ways to better support her faculty. She emphasized that successful faculty lead to successful students.
Elena Umland of Albany College echoed this sentiment, focusing on keeping mid-career faculty engaged. She highlighted the significance of mentorship throughout a faculty member’s journey. “Your career isn’t a race; it’s a marathon,” she said.
Participants found value in connecting with experienced leaders who shared insights on maintaining job satisfaction and fulfillment in academia. Anne Schweighardt, an associate professor, remarked that faculty are often overlooked as individuals with needs beyond their job roles.
In conclusion, the symposium provided a platform for critical conversations about fostering success in academia, emphasizing the need for support, community, and mentorship among pharmacy educators.
For further insights into mentoring and faculty development in higher education, you can explore resources from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
