Florida A&M University (FAMU) recently announced the appointment of Johnnie L. Early II, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS). His appointment is effective October 22, 2018.Early comes to FAMU from the University of Toledo in Ohio, where he has served as dean for an impressive 18 years. He was previously at FAMU from 1978-1987. He served as assistant professor and became dean in 1987 before leaving for Ohio.
Commenting on his return to FAMU, Early said, “FAMU afforded me the opportunity to develop leadership skills that led to my being named dean. In that role, the acts, methods and examples of “Excellence With Caring” were consistently at the forefront. I took this philosophy with me in each of my stations as dean. I am excited to return to FAMU to work with university leadership, learners, staff, faculty, residents and alumni of pharmacy and public health. This college is a key door opener to essential professions.”
Early has received more than $35 million in contracts and grants as a bench researcher, principal investigator, co-principal investigator and program project director. Under his leadership, college enrollment grew by 12 percent last year.
“We are excited to have Dr. Early return to FAMU. His expertise and familiarity with the University’s culture will allow him to quickly engage in the execution of our strategic initiatives. It is always nice to welcome a fellow Rattler back home,” said FAMU Interim Provost Rodner Wright.
Early earned his B.S. in Pharmacy from Mercer University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology from Purdue University.
Founded in 1951, the FAMU COPPS graduates more than 60 percent of the nation’s doctorates in pharmaceutical sciences. The college is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education.