Stephen Eckel, Pharm.D., M.H.A., has been appointed associate dean for global engagement of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy effective February 1, succeeding Dhiren Thakker, Ph.D., who served in the role for the past eight years. Eckel will be responsible for identifying and pursuing strategic partnerships to expand the research, education and practice mission of the School globally.
Eckel received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed a pharmacy practice residency at Duke University Medical Center and joined UNC Hospitals as a clinical pharmacist. He holds a Master’s of Health-Care Administration from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Eckel joined the School in 2013 as a clinical associate professor in the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education and has served as the vice chair of graduate and postgraduate education since his appointment. He also serves as the associate director of pharmacy at UNC Hospitals. He will continue in these roles while he serves as the associate dean of global engagement.
“Dhiren created and led many high stakes initiatives, including the Office of Research and Graduate Education and the Office of Entrepreneurial Development and Global Engagement,” said Dean Bob Blouin, Pharm.D. “I would like to thank Dhiren for his 20 years of dedicated service, his countless contributions to the School and for providing Stephen with the opportunity to work side-by-side with him over the next six months.”
As an innovator and entrepreneur, Eckel spearheaded the development of UNC Pharmacy Grand Rounds with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and launched ChemoGLO, LLC with Bill Zamboni, Pharm.D., Ph.D. He is the editor of the health-system edition of Pharmacy Times and a passionate supporter of the role of the pharmacist in patient care. He conducts and publishes his research and is frequently asked to speak around the world on these issues.
Eckel has been very active in the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists and current serves as president. He has also served many years in the American Pharmacists Association and ASHP House of Delegates. In 2012, he was presented with the APhA the Distinguished Achievement Award in Hospital and Institutional Practice, and in 2013, he was awarded the Excellence in Innovation award by the North Carolina Association of Pharmacist. He is a fellow of ASHP, APhA, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the National Academies of Practice in Pharmacy.
“I wish Stephen every success in assuming his new responsibilities and look forward to seeing where his path takes him and us,” Blouin said.