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Raylene Rospond Retires
Reflections on an Entrepreneurial Pharmacy Career
After an illustrious career in academic pharmacy and leadership spanning more than 30 years , Raylene Rospond Pharm . D ., FCCP , associate dean of clinical affairs and outreach will retire in January .
Stepping in as the third dean , Rospond joined Manchester Pharmacy in 2014 . She brought with her a rich experience of leadership at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with its 100-plus year history . After guiding Manchester ’ s Pharm . D . Program through its accreditation , the inaugural Class of 2016 graduated from Manchester ’ s fully accredited program .
Her next challenge was shepherding the development and launch of the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics program ( PGx ). Working with Program Director David Kisor , Pharm . D ., she supported his efforts to develop and launch the novel program . Now a distinctive master ’ s program in a growing science , Rospond notes it has additionally benefitted the Doctor of Pharmacy Program in attracting pharmacy students who want the dual degree opportunity for a Pharm . D . and an MS in PGx .
Always seeking new opportunities an entrepreneurial spirit seems to have formed the bedrock of her career path . Her tenure at Creighton University in the 1990s began in a newly created oncology position as the first-ever pharmacist on staff . In 1997 , she joined Drake University where she served in various leadership roles , including Dean of Pharmacy , for 10 years .
“ The challenge of taking on something new and being able to create and grow it was the hallmark of my career ,” said Rospond . “ My first appointment at Drake University was a brand-new position as associate dean at the time when the bachelor ’ s degree was transitioning to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree . This created a need for expanding experiential programs .”
Two major things attracted Rospond to Manchester – a visionary mission and a foundational belief in breaking down barriers . As dean , she wanted to invest in people and steward the atmosphere of trust and collaboration to build on academic programs and serve area communities .
“ I ’ m very mission-oriented and thrive in collaborative relationships , planning strategically toward a significant outcome for the group . As a young pharmacy program , I found fresh opportunities at Manchester and met dedicated faculty who were very committed ,” said Rospond . “ It was refreshing to not encounter barriers typical in larger institutions . In alignment with its mission and values , contribution at Manchester is very egalitarian . Everyone has a role on an equal playing field .”
After serving as dean for three years , Rospond transitioned into a new role as vice president for academic and student affairs where she led a larger effort of helping the University restructure into colleges and departments . Focusing on program review and alignment , she helped build the Office of Institutional Effectiveness , which supports grants and assesses program outcomes in terms of student success . In building the Office of Academic Affairs , she focused on strengthening recruitment and retention of undergraduate students .
After several years of supporting the broader institution ’ s goals , Respond took a sabbatical to recharge and retool her own professional development . In 2020 , she was ready to reconnect with her pharmacy roots and colleagues , serving as an associate dean and department chair for pharmacy practice .
In support of her profession through the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy ( AACP ) for more than 25 years , she contributed to many committees and special interest groups . Currently serving on the Finance and Investment Committee , she was honored to be selected by the AACP board to serve on a committee to review applicants and make recommendations on selection of the new executive vice president for the organization . Offering support in her local community is also a priority to Rospond .
“ I want to continue to contribute to my community professionally , or by serving on nonprofit boards . I ’ m looking for opportunities in the health arena , including organizations providing health care access to underserved populations ,” said Rospond . “ I ’ m also looking into areas offering support for parents who struggle with children and teenagers experiencing difficulty with drug or alcohol abuse .”
Rospond is still thinking entrepreneurially for retirement by starting a business , Rays of Strength Consulting . As a Gallup-certified strengths coach , she will consult with pharmacy programs facing reduced resources while being asked to stretch themselves . Also certified in Quality Matters , she can help pharmacy programs beginning online instruction .
For leisure , Rospond lists ‘ Spring Training ’ at the top of her retirement bucket list . She and her husband , a retired community pharmacist , share a love of Major League Baseball and hope to travel the country visiting baseball parks .
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