WCU names new pharmacy dean, Dr. David Weldon

Dr. David Weldon has been named dean of the William Carey University School of Pharmacy, replacing retiring dean Dr. Michael Malloy. Currently serving as associate dean, Weldon joined the pharmacy faculty at WCU’s Tradition campus in January 2017. The change takes effect July 1.

“Dr. Weldon has been with the School of Pharmacy from the beginning and he’s a big part of its success. He’s also active in civic and church service and connects to the Gulf Coast community in every way we want our Carey leaders to connect. I’m confident he will lead us to the next level,” said WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett.

“We would not be in the good position we are now, however, without the steadfast leadership of the program’s founding dean, Dr. Michael Malloy. We appreciate his service and wish him well in retirement.”

Dr. Malloy arrived on the Gulf Coast in fall 2016, after serving as dean of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for 11 years. Once on the scene, he established partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies and community organizations.

“I embraced the challenges because it was an opportunity to have a positive impact on health care in an area that needed it. I was able to touch and be touched by the community – and I believe that, together, we’ve created an environment that allows faculty, staff, and students to create a sustainable, thriving program,” Dr. Malloy said.

“I know that I leave the program in good hands with David. He’s played an integral role in creating its successful culture. I’m really looking forward to spending time on the golf course, visiting family and friends across the U.S. and Sweden, and enjoying my grandson.”

Dr. Weldon appreciates his seven years with Dr. Malloy.

“The guidance I’ve received under his deanship has been very valuable. I want to weave the School of Pharmacy even tighter into the fabric of the Gulf Coast as we grow together, university and community, as partners,” Dr. Weldon said.

A native of Clarksdale, Dr. Weldon earned his PhD at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 2008. He was vice chair of pharmaceutical sciences at Loma Linda School of Pharmacy in California before coming to WCU to help open the new School of Pharmacy.

“I love it when students tell me how impactful access to professional health education has been for them. I know we are helping to advance future generations,” Dr. Weldon said.

The WCU School of Pharmacy offers the only accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy degree on the Gulf Coast – from New Orleans to Pensacola. Students complete the program in two years and 10 months instead of the usual four years.