Donald E. Letendre, Dean Of UI College Of Pharmacy
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald E. Letendre, PharmD, as Professor and Dean. Donald E. Letendre became the new dean of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy on September 25th, 2007. In addition, Dr. Letendre serves as a professor of clinical and administrative pharmacy. He succeeds Jordan L. Cohen, PhD, who stepped down from the deanship but remains on the college's faculty.

Letendre said he's honored to be given the opportunity to join the UI family. "The UI College of Pharmacy has a longstanding legacy of professional leadership; is widely recognized for excellence in all of its educational, research, and service pursuits; and boasts an outstanding legion of alumni that includes an incredible number of highly progressive practitioners and avant-garde researchers among its ranks," he said. "It is a true privilege to join a world-class academic health science community and participate in one of the country's most highly acclaimed state pharmacy associations."

Before joining the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Dr. Letendre was Professor and Dean of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy from 2001.  At the University of Rhode Island he was involved in efforts to reorganize and develop a new curriculum and implement that state’s only professional pharmacy degree program.  External funding increased dramatically under Dr. Letendre’s tenure with the college now ranking among the top 20 colleges of pharmacy nationally for federal funding. Most notable among his achievements was the leadership role he had in spearheading an initiative to secure a $65 million state bond to support construction of a new pharmacy facility.

Letendre earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and began his academic career as assistant professor at the University of Kansas. He assumed deanship of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and executive secretary of the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory Commission -- which is housed in the college -- in 2001.

Letendre has published widely and presents frequently on the topic of training programs in pharmacy. He is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the American Pharmacists Association.

College Welcomes New Class
The Class of 2011 has now been officially been welcomed, oriented, and indoctrinated into the college. The P1 orientation began on Thursday, August 23rd, with a full day of speakers that ranged from college administration to advisors to student organizations. Students also participated in ice breakers and were introduced to Hardin Library and ICON (Iowa Courses On-Line). On Friday the orientation continued with paperwork, surveys, and a Cultural Competency talk from Nicole Nisly, MD.

A White Coat Ceremony took place on Saturday, August 25th at Clapp Recital Hall. Dean Jordan Cohen gave the opening address, while Carl Chalstrom, '87 BSPh and president of the UI College of Pharmacy Alumni Board, and Jennifer Moulton, '94 BSPh, Iowa Pharmacy Association, gave welcoming remarks. The students received their white laboratory coats and name badges, and recited the Oath of a Pharmacist.