Beta Chapter Member Served as Dean PCP University of the Sciences

After more than six years of guiding Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Dr. Lisa A. Lawson will be stepping down as dean of PCP and return to the faculty where she will retain the title of Barbara H. Korberly Professor in Women’s Leadership and Health. Dr. Lawson will remain dean during this transitional phase as the University launches a national search to replace her.

Dr. Lawson, who was the first woman chosen for this prestigious position, leaves the dean’s office after positioning PCP for future success with a new competency-driven curriculum for the doctor of pharmacy program and the college’s recent re-accreditation by the American Council of Pharmacy Education. During her leadership PCP has grown through an enhanced student-to-faculty ratio, new student-centered initiatives, and improved student outcomes.

When asked about the timing, Dr. Lawson said that “A confluence of factors, both personal and professional, have led to this decision. With the hard work of developing the Ready +4 professional phase of the PharmD degree completed and our re-accreditation by ACPE, the timing felt right for me to step down from the role of dean and turn the reins over to someone else. I look forward to helping the next dean lead PCP as we approach our 200th anniversary in five years in order to carry on the legacy of shaping the practice and education of pharmacy.”

Dr. Lawson joined the faculty at PCPS in 1982 as an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy and served as a drug information consultant at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center and adjunct assistant professor of clinical pharmacy in medicine at University of Pennsylvania for several years. She has held several administrative positions including director of the doctor of pharmacy program (1989-1994), assistant dean of pharmacy (1994-2006), associate dean (2006-2008), vice dean (2008), and interim dean (2008-2010).

An accomplished writer and speaker, Dr. Lawson’s research interests include pharmacokinetics and curricular implementation and development. She is the recipient of the 2015 Honorary Alumnus Award from the USciences Alumni Association, the Paul F. Parker Award from the University of Kentucky, the 2012 Career Achievement Award from Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and subsequent 2012 PFA Career Achievement Award from the Professional Fraternities Association.

Dr. Lawson received a bachelor of science in pharmacy in 1977 from the University of Nebraska, a doctor of pharmacy in 1980 from the University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, and completed an ASHP accredited residency in hospital pharmacy at the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center, 1977-80. Prior to her service at USciences, she served as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy from 1980-81 and as clinical coordinator of pharmacy services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and clinical assistant professor of pharmacy at PCPS from 1981-82.

Dr. Lawson lives in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Gene Gibson, a pharmacist. Their son Benjamin is employed at Johns Hopkins University and their son Andrew was a member of the USciences Class of 2014, where he received his doctor of pharmacy degree.

Personally, I am so grateful for Dr. Lawson’s unwavering dedication and service to PCP and USciences. It is obvious why she is so highly respected among the faculty, staff, students, and alumni. She has been a wonderful colleague to work with and instrumental in addressing our accreditation challenges. Dr. Lawson has provided PCP with a strong foundation on which we can build the next 200 years, and I will look forward to her involvement in planning our bicentennial celebration.

By Kathleen R. Mayes P’76, PharmD’78
Interim President