UHSP Inaugurates President David D. Allen

On March 25, 2022, the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis community united to celebrate the formal installation of David D. Allen, RPh, Ph.D., as the institution’s fifth president.

Themed “Great Things Ahead,” the special event reflected on USHP’s rich history of excellence and highlighted what’s to come, as the institution works to achieve its goal to become a transformational leader in health sciences education and research under Allen’s leadership.

The ceremony kicked off with a processional of delegates, faculty, learned societies and members of the UHSP Board of Trustees and President’s Staff, followed by a welcome from JoAnne Levy, Chair of the UHSP Board of Trustees, and an invocation from Noel E. Wilkin, RPh, Ph.D., provost and executive chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Mississippi, who also provided the benediction at the close of the ceremony.

A number of guest speakers were also on hand to welcome Allen to his role as president, including The Honorable Tishaura O. Jones, M.H.A, mayor of the city of St. Louis, who spoke on behalf of the city.

Also on hand to provide welcome remarks were:

Frederick G. Slabach, J.D., L.L.M., president of Texas Wesleyan University, who spoke on behalf of the higher education community;
Lucinda Maine, RPh, Ph.D., executive vice president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, who spoke on behalf of professional organizations; and
Michael Avidan, MBBCh, FCA, SA, professor of anesthesiology, psychiatry and surgery, Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology and head of the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who spoke on behalf of learned societies.
Blake Thompson, Ph.D., president of Mississippi College, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the influence of the University on the region, nation and the world, and welcoming Allen to his new role as president of UHSP.

“The influence of this institution is through its people,” Thompson stated. “This institution has already contributed mightily to David Allen’s life, and now it’s David Allen’s turn to pay it forward. What a legacy of accomplishment your new president brings to this office, and what a legacy he now starts to push forward to others. David Allen, you will have great a legacy inspiring this next generation.”

Following the keynote address, Allen received the chain of office, honoring him as the fifth president of UHSP. Embossed with the names of past deans and presidents and anchored by a medallion stamped with the University marks, the chain of office is a symbol of the history of leadership at UHSP.

Allen was then installed as president, and he delivered an inspirational inaugural address focused on the many “Great Things Ahead” for the institution.

“Since I came to UHSP, we have been envisioning a stellar future for this historic institution, and I assure you that great things are, in fact, ahead for us,” Allen said.

“As your president, I have the unique opportunity to work as a united force with you, as we build on our storied 157-year history of excellence by investing in, and expanding, our student and alumni experience, fortifying our research infrastructure, building on our flagship Doctor of Pharmacy program and exploring areas of growth through new health sciences-focused programs and establishing two new colleges,” Allen noted. “As I have said many times before, having the chance to lead UHSP is an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am humbled by your willingness to choose me, and I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, openness and kindness.”

Allen became the fifth president of UHSP on July 1, 2021. Prior to his appointment at the University, Allen served as dean of the School of Pharmacy, professor of biomolecular sciences and executive director and research professor of the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi.

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