College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences announces two assistant dean appointments

In a strategic move that underscores Campbell University’s commitment to leadership in healthcare education, Dr. Pamela Edwards has been appointed assistant dean of Interprofessional Education, and Shari McGuire has been named assistant dean of Admissions for the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS). This reorganization, which is effective Nov. 1, reflects a fiscally responsible approach to supporting student and faculty success while maximizing the expertise of dedicated leaders in the College.

The College’s dean, Dr. Jeff Mercer, expressed excitement for these changes, stating, “Dr. Edwards and Ms. McGuire bring exceptional talent and experience to their new roles. Dr. Edwards’ dedication to interprofessional learning and Shari’s expertise in admissions and enrollment management will continue to enhance our programs, while ensuring that CPHS students and faculty receive outstanding support. These adjustments strengthen our commitment to fostering professional growth and innovation across the College.”

Dr. Pamela Edwards: Expanding Interprofessional Education

Dr. Pamela Edwards steps into her new role as assistant dean of Interprofessional Education with a remarkable history in healthcare education and leadership. Serving as director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing, Edwards will maintain these responsibilities while advancing interprofessional learning. Her background includes roles such as Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Education at Duke University Health System and Assistant Vice President for Nursing Education.

Additionally, Edwards served on the Executive Advisory Board of Duke AHEAD, the academy for health professions education and academic development. The focus of the work was interprofessional faculty development, research and innovation. Edwards has contributed significantly to healthcare training, policy development, and collaborative education throughout her career.

Edwards expressed her enthusiasm about the role, saying, “Interprofessional teamwork is essential to modern healthcare, and I’m thrilled to work alongside students across CPHS programs and the School of Osteopathic Medicine to help them develop the collaborative skills they’ll need to provide the best care for their future patients. This role will allow us to deepen the impact of interprofessional education within the University and expand opportunities for our students.”

Shari McGuire: Championing Continued Excellence in Admissions

Shari McGuire, previously director of Enrollment Management, will assume the role of assistant dean of Admissions and report to the dean. Her extensive experience includes oversight of recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts for all CPHS programs, with a focus on strategic planning, demographic diversity, and improved retention rates. With a background that spans numerous student support roles, Shari’s contributions have shaped the College’s admissions structure to be data-informed, student-focused, and results-driven.

McGuire shared her enthusiasm for the new role: “This position allows me to build on our strong admissions foundation, further enhancing the recruitment process and ensuring prospective students experience a welcoming and supportive environment from the beginning. I’m honored to lead our team in this capacity and look forward to continuing our efforts to attract exceptional candidates to CPHS.”

A Strong Foundation for Growth: Dr. Mark Moore’s Role

As associate dean of Admissions & Student Affairs, Dr. Mark Moore (’00 PharmD, ’07 MSCR) has been instrumental in developing and mentoring the admissions team. His guidance and vision have led to this restructuring, enabling team members to leverage their skills more effectively.

Moore shared his perspective on the change, “During the past two decades, restructuring our resources has been a consistent tool for our success. My focus has been on developing and growing our people from within and empowering them to stretch their comfort zones. Shari is committed to serving our amazing team and our future students in an exceptional manner. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff in each of our programs to elevate the student experience through enhanced engagement and the Campbell difference.”