On the heels of a global pandemic when public health has taken center stage, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Institute of Public Health’s name has been added to the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The rebranded FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH) was approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees earlier this month.
“In keeping with the University’s strategic plan, developing a name that is fully representative of the college’s focus will illustrate FAMU and the college’s priorities,” said CoPPS, IPH Dean Johnnie Early, II, Ph.D., who initially proposed the name changes.
Associate Dean and Director of the Institute of Public Health Cynthia Harris, Ph.D., said the name change elevates the Institute of Public Health and facilitates evolution to an autonomous School of Public Health. It’s the first program or school in the state to offer the Doctor of Public Health degree.
“The Institute of Public Health has been making a significant impact since its founding 25 years ago,” said Harris, who was among those responsible for creating the COVID-19 Testing Site at Bragg Memorial Stadium this spring. “We are addressing health disparities through graduate education, research and service. We are producing public health servant-leaders across the country.”
More than two dozen IPH faculty and students have been recruited by the Florida Department of Health to assist in dealing with the pandemic. IPH alumni, such as Florida Deputy Secretary of Health Shamarial Roberson, Dr.PH, have played a leading role in the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Regional Sites
As part of the CoPPS, IPH rebranding, regional pharmacy sites have new names.
The rebranded names are South Florida Pharmacy Practice Center, which is located in Davie, Fla.; Northeast Florida Pharmacy Practice Center in Jacksonville, and Central Florida Pharmacy Practice Center in the Tampa/Orlando area.
At the regional sites, students receive clinical training in a variety of medical settings and gain invaluable experience in applying academic knowledge to real-life situations.
“The name change from instructional sites to regional pharmacy practice centers encapsulates the primary location and focus of the facilities,” said Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs Jocelyn Spates, Pharm.D. “This rebrand is just one step in moving our college to the next level.”
The pharmacy site in Crestview was rebranded as the Durell Peaden Jr. Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in honor of the late state senator who
took the initiative and worked with Crestview Mayor David Cadle, the City Council, FAMU and state legislators to secure the funds to establish and operate the program.
The change also emphasizes the educational role of the site rather than the city where the campus is located.
