Dr. Shaffer named pharmacy’s senior associate dean

The UNMC College of Pharmacy has named Chris Shaffer, PharmD, PhD, to the position of senior associate dean. Dr. Shaffer will in effect serve as the college’s chief operating officer, said Don Klepser, PhD, the Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean for the college.

“With so much growth, including the Kearney campus, other developments we have planned, internal and external partnership opportunities, and multiple upcoming accreditation visits, the college needs a conductor to make sure the trains are all running on time,” Dr. Klepser said.

Having a strong chief operating officer will allow the dean to focus on external relations and strategic growth, Dr. Klepser said.

Dr. Shaffer fits the bill. He’s long been a leader within the UNMC College of Pharmacy, most recently as interim associate dean of academic affairs. Dr. Shaffer also works with the Child Health Research Institute as director of its Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Program. He’s had multiple leadership positions at Nebraska Medicine. Prior to joining UNMC, he was pharmacy director at both Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Nebraska. He’s currently a fellow in the University of Nebraska’s NU Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) program.

“Dr. Shaffer’s strengths and background will make the college more efficient, which will allow us to invest in growth and new opportunities,” Dr. Klepser said.

“I am excited to assume this new role within the UNMC College of Pharmacy,” Dr. Shaffer said. “There are incredible opportunities for our faculty, staff and students in the future of health care. I look forward to working with individuals within and outside the college to develop these programs.”

Pharmacy will launch an internal search for a full-time assistant or associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. Klepser said.