The St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, has appointed William H. Riffee, Ph.D, as Dean of its new School of Pharmacy.
This new school is an attempt by the university to expand its quality academic programs.
The university zeroed in on Riffee after an intense nationwide search for an eligible candidate to head one of its schools. Former CEO of Navarro Pharmacies and St. Thomas University Trustee Jose Navarro was involved in appointing the national-level science scholar as dean of the new School of Pharmacy.
The university expects Riffe to overhaul the process of teaching and learning, stating that he is strong in research, educational technology and its utility in the classroom.
"Dr. Riffee holds a strong track record in research, educational technology and its utility in the classroom. We are bringing an innovator in science teaching and the use of technology to improve learning that includes the use of mobile devices. This will all contribute to our students' professional development and Dr. Riffee will make this happen," university officials said in a press release, according to The Miami Herald.
Riffee, a BS in Pharmacy from West Virginia University, worked at the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in the Division of Hospitals between 1967 and 1970. He received his Ph.D. in pharmacology in 1975 from the Ohio State University for his research in behavioral effects and biochemical mechanisms of central nervous system stimulants.
