Dr. James Drennen Named Dean of Duquesne’s School of Pharmacy

Duquesne has named Dr. James Drennen as dean of the School of Pharmacy, effective Thursday, July 1. He has been serving as interim dean since Dr. Doug Bricker retired at the end of the spring 2020 semester.

An expert in pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency and product quality, Drennen’s appointment reflects Duquesne’s beyond-the-counter approach to pharmacy education. A 1985 alumnus of the School of Pharmacy, Drennen joined the University’s faculty in 1991 and has served in several high-profile positions, including associate dean of research and graduate programs and as the Noble J. Dick Chair in Academic Leadership.

“Dr. Drennen exemplifies the expertise and caring that goes into educating our pharmacy students,” said Duquesne Provost Dr. David Dausey. “He is a highly respected and accomplished leader who will continue to make the School of Pharmacy one of the best in the country.”

A leader in promoting health equity, the School of Pharmacy’s faculty and students have provided thousands of health screenings, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations and other preventative health services to underserved areas in the region.

“Dr. Drennen’s career at Duquesne has advanced understanding and possibilities in pharmacy education for his students while improving the health of our communities,” said Duquesne President Ken Gormley. “His experience in industry and his dedication to research have benefitted students at all levels of his profession and make him a perfect choice to lead the School of Pharmacy.”

Drennen served as Duquesne’s lead faculty representative for the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE), an independent, nonprofit dedicated to fundamental research and education in pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing. He has coordinated efforts on behalf of the pharmacy school and NIPTE to provide critical, hands-on training for FDA reviewers and inspectors at Duquesne.

“It’s an honor to be named dean of the School of Pharmacy,” Drennen said. “I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty, staff and students to further Duquesne’s standing as a leader in pharmaceutical technology and patient care.”

Drennen co-founded and was the inaugural director of the Duquesne University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology. His scholarly work includes more than 100 publications and numerous national and international presentations. In addition to his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Duquesne, Drennen has a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Kentucky.