08/18/2026
Dear PharmCAT Community,
It is hard to believe that I have already completed my first two weeks as Dean of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. These first days have been filled with introductions, discussions, and most importantly, opportunities to listen and learn.
I am honored to join this community. As a pharmacist through and through, I have spent my career committed to pharmacy and to preparing the next generation of professionals. And although my roots have been in Tennessee up to this point, my family and I are all in as we begin making the Tucson community our home.
In just two weeks, I have met incredible faculty, staff, and partners who care deeply about our mission. Through my conversations, I’ve been asking: What is something we absolutely must protect because it is important to who we are, and what is our greatest opportunity? The answers have helped me understand both our tremendous foundation and the possibilities ahead.
I believe our future should be a shared direction, not simply my vision as Dean. We will build on what already distinguishes us, identify areas where we can lead nationally, strengthen strategic partnerships, and support innovation in education and practice. Through it all, our students will remain at the center of everything we do.
I am especially looking forward to welcoming our students back to campus. Coming from a health sciences center environment, I am enjoying the energy and excitement of a vibrant campus, and I cannot wait to see that energy fully return when all our students arrive in the coming weeks.
There is much to learn and much to do, but I am incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead. The accomplishments of this College have been driven by good people, strong teams, and committed leaders. My role is to listen, bring people together, and help us determine where we want to go next.
Thank you for the Southwestern hospitality. I look forward to meeting more of you and working together to take our College to new heights.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Dean Finch
