PRESIDENTIAL PRIORITIES

President Tofade began as the 10th president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on July 1, 2022. Following a listening tour with campus constituents and community members, she held a campuswide retreat for employees and announced her key priorities for the College. Over the last year, much work has been done in each area. Highlights are noted below under each priority category.

Priority #1: Increase Enrollment

Following a year of intensive recruiting efforts, deposits are up 4% for first-year students planning to enter ACPHS in Fall 2023 and 7% for incoming master’s students, year over year.** Enrollment increases were seen in the undergraduate pharmacy and biomedical technology programs, and in master’s programs in clinical laboratory sciences (CLS), cytotechnology and molecular cytology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Deposits for transfer students and new students entering the pharmacy doctorate program declined.

ACPHS leadership has responded to recent enrollment trends by seeking opportunities in growth areas with a reimagining process, announced in May. While continuing to strengthen its core pharmacy programs, the College now has a dedicated Health Sciences arm reflecting two distinct tracks, the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Allied Health Sciences.

**As of June 9, 2023

Priority #2: Enhance Awareness and Reputation

Addressing the need to increase recognition of ACPHS’ excellence in higher education, the Office of Communications and Marketing was established in 2022. Content strategy has included communications to internal and external audiences, digital advertising, social media and media relations. Results have included dramatic increases in website pageviews (39%), with a whopping 470% increase in the number of web sessions driven by social media engagement.

Priority #3: Identify and Create Multiple Revenue Streams

The College’s largest contract ever, a $1.9 million deal with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop and deliver a customized mRNA-based vaccine training program for the agency’s employees, was secured in October by the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET).

ACPHS continues to build on its robust affiliation agreements. A new articulation agreement, building a pipeline of students to our biopharmaceutical programs, was signed with Hudson Valley Community College in May. Another agreement signed in June will allow ACPHS graduates to move seamlessly into occupational therapy and physical therapy programs at Russell Sage College. Fundraising for the fiscal year has totaled more than $4.5 million. More than 150 students received scholarships and awards during this period.***

ACPHS has selected Lindauer, a leading executive search firm, to lead a national search to fill a vacant Vice President of Institutional Advancement position, a key role expected to contribute to the transformational efforts of the College as it embarks on a new strategic plan.

***Figures as of June 15, 2023

Priority #4: Increase Intentional Engagement

ACPHS launched an internal newsletter, profiling campus leaders and achievements. The newsletter is distributed to faculty, staff, students and parents/caregivers, totaling about 2,300 recipients each week, with an average of 2,049 opens weekly. A campuswide campaign launched in February to encourage and support ways for community members to engage on campus. Student engagement has thrived, as seen through increased activity in clubs and organizations. Use the QR code to learn more about student activities.

Priority #5: Strengthen the Foundations of the College

A 2024-2029 Strategic Planning Steering Committee has undertaken a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of the College. Through this effort, a new vision statement has emerged to serve as a beacon for the College’s future work: ACPHS strives to be a global leader in preparing students for transformative health careers to solve problems that change the world. The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan will highlight five pillars: ɯ academic excellence ɯ quality student experience ɯ people and culture ɯ engaging with communities ɯ fiscal sustainability

Work will continue into the fall semester, with a goal of sharing a new plan in January 2024.

In March, employees received a new guide to professional expectations and the embodiment of the College’s values. Moving forward, the College will work to develop its talent with a focus on leadership development.

Priority #6: Keep Listening, Learning and Executing in Alignment with the Strategic Plan

In her first year, President Tofade has maintained an active schedule, meeting with dozens of stakeholders. She has been proactive in engaging the campus community through Town Halls, student forums called “Pizza with the Prez” and open office hours.

In alignment with ACPHS’ core values and to further the College’s ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on campus, the College conducted an extensive search to fill the new position of associate vice president of DEI. An AVP has been hired, and the DEI office will be active this fall to continue creating a more inclusive culture at ACPHS.