VCU news

By Cynthia McMullen

Kelechi C. “K.C.” Ogbonna has been named associate dean for admissions and student services by Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, effective Nov. 15.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Ogbonna as our new associate dean,” said VCU School of Pharmacy Dean Joseph T. DiPiro, Pharm.D. “He brings a wealth of talent, energy and ideas to the position. He has been an exceptional faculty member and emerging leader. This position is a great match for his talents, and we will all benefit from his appointment.”

Ogbonna joined the School of Pharmacy in 2012 as an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science. Since last year, he also has served as director of the school’s newly established geriatric residency program, one of fewer than 20 such residencies available nationwide. Prior to his arrival at VCU, he served as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and as an inpatient staff pharmacist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.

“Situated within an academic medical center, I believe we are uniquely positioned to leverage our nearly 120-year tradition of graduating change agents that are tasked with leading the pharmacy profession,” Ogbonna said. “I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and alumni to share our story, build upon our foundation and recruit the pharmacists of tomorrow.”

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Ogbonna works as a faculty preceptor, co-investigator and core faculty member with the interprofessional Richmond Health & Wellness Program. In 2014, the community-based care coordination program was presented with the C. Peter Magrath University Community Engagement Award by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.  

Ogbonna earned his doctor of pharmacy degree at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He completed residencies in pharmacy practice and geriatrics through the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. In May, he will receive a master’s degree in health administration from VCU School of Allied Health Professions.

Ogbonna is chairman-elect of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Geriatric Special Interest Group and immediate past chairman of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists’ Educational Advisory Committee.

The former associate dean for admissions and student services, Thomas P. Reinders, retired in August. His assistant director, Ron Ballentine, has been serving as interim associate dean.

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