Emily McCoy named assistant dean of pharmacy in Mobile

Following an internal search, Dr. Emily McCoy, associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, has been named assistant dean of the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Mobile Campus.

A recognized leader in pharmacy practice, she has been on faculty on the Mobile Campus since 2009. She also maintains a practice site as a clinical pharmacy specialist at USA Mobile Diagnostic Center in Mobile, Alabama.

“Dr. McCoy brings a proven record of leadership, thoughtful vision and an unwavering commitment to student success on our Mobile Campus,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Ross, Dean and Bell Endowed Chair at the Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP). “As one of the campus’s foundational faculty members, she understands its culture and community and has consistently championed an exceptional educational experience for our students in Mobile.”

McCoy joined HCOP as an assistant clinical professor in 2009 and was promoted to associate clinical professor in 2015. She has also held roles in student affairs and has served as the interim assistant dean since November 2022.

“I am truly honored to step into the role of Assistant Dean on a permanent basis,” said McCoy. “Serving in the interim position has deepened my appreciation for the incredible students, faculty and staff who make our Mobile campus such a special part of the Harrison College of Pharmacy.”

McCoy graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee in 2008. She completed a residency in ambulatory care with a focus in academia in Memphis with the UT-St. Francis Family Medicine residency program and became Board Certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) in 2011. McCoy is also a graduate of the 20th cohort of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Leadership Fellows Program.

“Having been here almost since the campus’s beginning, this opportunity is especially meaningful. I have watched HCOP grow, evolve, and strengthen, and I’m proud of the community we’ve built together and the important role the Mobile campus plays in advancing the College’s mission and vision,” said McCoy. “Leading this campus now allows me to continue that work with even greater focus and commitment. I am excited for the work ahead and grateful for the trust placed in me as we continue supporting our students and strengthening HCOP’s impact across Alabama and beyond.”

The assistant dean of the Mobile Campus provides strategic leadership and oversight for all academic, administrative, and student support functions. The position works directly with the dean to ensure that the Mobile Campus operates in alignment with HCOP’s and Auburn University’s mission, strategic priorities and accreditation requirements while fostering a dynamic and innovative teaching and learning environment for students, faculty and staff. The assistant dean also works to build collaborations for all mission areas.

Established in 2007, the HCOP Mobile Campus is located on the campus of the University of South Alabama, a health science campus with access to multiple professions, including nursing, physicians, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant and many other allied health trainees. The campus provides HCOP strategic opportunities to collaborate with peers in the region, engage in the community and impact the healthcare for those in the Gulf Coast region.