Col. William Pickard, MS, has been named chair of clinical research at Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS).
“I am excited to be back at Campbell University,” said Pickard who served as associate professor of clinical research from 2006 to 2009. “There is a lot of potential growth in our bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical research and I look forward to leading the development of these programs.”
Pickard brings 25 years of experience in clinical research and more than 30 years of teaching to the position, allowing him to integrate life experiences and practicality to the program.
In addition to the academic programs, Pickard’s responsibilities include leading the department’s transition from Campbell University’s RTP campus to the main campus in Buies Creek. The department will only offer classes from the main campus starting August 2012.
The move will help to elevate the clinical research programs to their full potential. Offering classes on the main campus will provide students with a more diverse didactic experience through the expertise of Campbell’s growing list of faculty who specialize in different areas of health care. Students will still have the same opportunities to complete research projects and rotations in the RTP area.
“We are very pleased to have Col. Pickard lead our Department of Clinical Research,” said Ronald Maddox, PharmD, vice president of health programs and dean of CPHS. “He brings extensive leadership experience and distinguished clinical and academic skills to our institution.”
Although he frequently refers to students as patients by accident, Pickard feels it shows his responsibility as a faculty member and chair of the department. He believes students are individuals who faculty must take care of and mentor, and plans to lead his department in doing this.
Pickard received his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975 and went on to complete a residency at Duke University Medical Center the following year. He earned his master’s degree in pharmacy practice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993.
He served as a clinical pharmacist in the division of infectious diseases at Duke University’s Medical Center from 1981 to 2004. During this time, he was a preceptor for Duke University’s clinical pharmacy infectious disease rotation. In 1990, Pickard was named Campbell University’s preceptor of the year by the pharmacy charter class.
In addition to his numerous roles as a staff pharmacist and director of pharmacy over the years, Pickard has served as a chief pharmacist and pharmacy consultant for the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corp and advanced to the rank of colonel. He most recently served on active duty as a chief pharmacist at Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C. from 2009 to 2011.