William Carey University has announced the hiring of Dr. David Weldon as the associate dean of the proposed School of Pharmacy at the Tradition campus.
Weldon, a native of Clarksdale, received a Bachelor of Science in forensic chemistry and a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Mississippi. He met his wife, Abby, who is from Amory, while a student at Ole Miss.
Weldon has been a professor in Loma Linda University's School of Pharmacy in California since August 2008 and was appointed vice chair of the department of pharmaceutical and administrative sciences in July. He has also served as a contract teacher in the university's School of Dentistry and the School of Allied Health.
"I appreciate this opportunity to return to Mississippi and to work with the William Carey University leadership team in developing the new School of Pharmacy on the Tradition campus," said Weldon. "It's exciting to be a part of this new chapter in WCU's history as the university continues to provide programs that will help improve healthcare in the Gulf Coast region."
Dr. Michael Malloy, dean of the pharmacy school, said Weldon will be his "right-hand man" and will be responsible for developing the school's assessment plan, leading the operation procedures for developing accreditation reports, and working with students on success and retention. Weldon also will help design the initial curriculum and hire the faculty.
"I am excited to be able to attract an individual of Dr. Weldon's caliber and experience to join us as the associate dean of the School of Pharmacy," said Malloy. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and stability to our leadership team."
Weldon is currently working as a consultant to WCU and is helping write the application for pre-candidate for accreditation status that will be submitted to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. He will begin work on campus January 2, 2017.
"I look forward to being a leader for WCUSOP in the areas of assessment and curricular development and am excited to expand the culture of health science excellence already established by William Carey University in Hattiesburg and on the Gulf Coast," said Weldon.
"We believe Dr. Weldon is going to be a great asset as we design our curriculum," said Dr. Janet Williams, dean of the College of Health Sciences.
WCU President Tommy King said he was pleased to have Dr. Weldon join the administrative staff of the School of Pharmacy. "His knowledge of Mississippi and academic pharmacy will be a great asset as we build a leadership team."
Malloy said in addition to writing the pre-candidate accreditation application, he and the school's leaders are meeting with the architect to design the School of Pharmacy building, and interviewing and hiring additional members of the leadership team. Malloy has stressed the importance of working with the local medical community. "I am meeting with pharmacy directors at local hospitals and clinics and with pharmacists to create partnerships with them in the future to help educate our students."
The School of Pharmacy is expected to open in 2018. For more information, contact Dean Michael Malloy at (228) 702-1859 or email mmalloy@wmcarey.edu.