Dr. Toyin Tofade made history in July 2022 when she became the first Black female president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS).
Since stepping into the role, Tofade has spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives, positioning the college for a bright future.
Innovative Leadership at ACPHS
Under her guidance, ACPHS launched a bold new strategic plan and introduced ACPHS Online in March 2024. She also restructured academic units, initiated a leadership development program for aspiring leaders, and encouraged an entrepreneurial culture within the college.
Tofade’s efforts have resulted in impressive growth, including an 18.58% increase in applications, a 35.03% rise in deposits, and a massive 714.29% jump in transfer admissions by July 2024. Deposits for first-year PharmD students surged by 210%, while the number of industrial fellowship positions for graduates doubled.
2024 marked a historic expansion for ACPHS with the approval of seven new degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in health sciences, psychology, forensic science, and biology, as well as master’s programs in biomedical sciences and cytotechnology.
Student experiences have also flourished under Tofade’s leadership, with the college receiving greater media attention and winning national championships in men’s track & field and women’s soccer. Her leadership has also led to the expansion of partnerships on local, national, and international levels.
A Distinguished Career in Pharmacy
Before joining ACPHS, Dr. Tofade served as the Dean and Professor at Howard University College of Pharmacy. She also held leadership roles at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and worked as a clinical specialist at UNC Hospitals. Additionally, she was the Director of Pharmacotherapy Services at Wake AHEC.
Tofade is recognized as a trailblazer in pharmacy leadership. She became the first Black woman to serve as President of the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) Academic Pharmacy Section and was named an FIP Fellow in 2018. She has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and has participated in key policy advocacy efforts.
Awards and Achievements
Dr. Tofade has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout her career, including:
- Albany Business Review’s Power 50 Executive (two consecutive years)
- ASHP’s 2022 Donald E. Francke Medal
- UNC Pharmacy Alumni Association’s 2021 Distinguished Service Award
- 2019 Fred M. Eckel Pharmacy Leadership Award
- 2018 Distinguished Service Award from NAPPSA
Educational Background and Professional Development
Dr. Tofade holds a BPharm from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MS in Pharmacy Practice, and a PharmD from UNC Chapel Hill. Additionally, she has completed leadership programs at Harvard Kennedy School and Penn State University.
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