Sharks Rx Spring 2018 | NSU College of Pharmacy

a former College of Pharmacy faculty member and admin- istrator for nearly 10 years, said Deziel has done a great job, especially in handling distance-education programs. For her part, Deziel said the past five years have taught her to be a team builder and a risk taker. “As dean, I’ve learned the importance of having a very strong team around me, and I’m lucky to have that here. I’ve learned you have to take risks. If you’re not going to take risks, even if you’re really good, you’re going to get passed by the visionaries who are willing to take on innovative projects,” she explained. “By supporting risk and in- novation, NSU has allowed us to create an exciting and growth-positive environment for faculty members and students alike. It’s constantly changing, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.” “Where we have been successful, and where we shine, is our willingness to push boundaries to look at innovative projects and invest in them,” said Deziel, pointing to the Accountable Care Organization project, which puts faculty members in physician offices, as one example. Other points of pride include a contract with Correct Care Solutions to run the pharmacy at South Florida State Hos- pital, the successful operation of NSU’s own community pharmacy, a recent contract to provide services for the Independent Colleges and Universities Benefits Association, continued use of video- conferencing, innovation in research, and new degree programs. For students, innovation also means the advanced-standing Pharm.D. program for international pharmacy graduates, creation of a student career-advising program, global travel opportunities, and beginning in August, a block curriculum that will deliver students the same academic content but in a way that’s pedagogically very different, Deziel said. Her work as dean doesn’t go unnoticed, both within NSU and outside. “She’s a star of stars,” said Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., interim executive vice president and chief operating officer, who was a founder of the College of Pharmacy. “She’s got tremendous respect from her faculty and staff. The hardest thing to do in any business, particularly in the field of education, is to create stability and the highest level of educational morale. We’ve adapted new methods of teaching into the way we present our programs, and she has been able to hold onto that rudder through all those changes. And, that makes her not only a star up front, but also the stabilizer at the back end.” Recognition of Deziel’s contributions as dean also comes from beyond NSU. “It’s really a feat that she is able to lead so well, and a testament to her leadership style and skills that she is able to continue to move four campuses forward, to continue to innovate and have a global view of the world, and yet support and encourage faculty to do things within the community,” said Ruth Nemire, Pharm.D., Ed.D., associate executive vice president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Nemire, If you’re not going to take risks, even if you’re really good, you’re going to get passed by the visionaries who are willing to take on innovative projects.” —Lisa Deziel, dean