An interim dean has been appointed for the Washington State University College of Pharmacy in Spokane. Julie Akers will assume the role on July 1st, succeeding Mark Leid, who will return to the faculty after completing his five-year term as dean in June.

Akers has been serving as the college’s executive associate dean and has been part of the WSU faculty since 2013. The College of Pharmacy is currently facing a significant decline in enrollment, with a reported decrease of 55% since the pandemic. Additionally, the WSU Spokane medical campus units are preparing for potential budget cuts of up to 15%.