William “Bill” Wade has been named the first Kroger Professor in Community Pharmacy in the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Funded by a $250,000 endowment from the Kroger Company and renewable after five years, the Kroger Professorship was established to promote excellence in community pharmacy through instruction, research, public service or a combination of such duties.
“The Kroger Company is engaged in community pharmacy, primarily in retail settings, and is interested in expanding the traditional role of pharmacy in this environment,” said Svein Øie, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Special consideration was given to the professorship candidate who is involved in widening the scope of practice in community pharmacy in the retail setting, improving pharmacy services and/or engaging in preparing students for careers in community pharmacy.”
Wade, a professor in the department of clinical and administrative pharmacy with an outstanding national reputation, best exemplifies the criteria required for the professorship, according to the college’s professorship selection committee. During his 30-year career he has emphasized improvement in patient care through community practice initiatives. In the 1990s, Wade helped develop the clinical outcomes research group in order to conduct pharmaceutically-related research in community pharmacies, in such areas as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary diseases, psychological disorders, and infectious diseases. In 2002, he collaborated on a cancer awareness certificate course for community pharmacists in order to help them identify patients at high risk for developing common cancers and to refer these patients for appropriate screening.
Wade has sustained excellence in the training and preparing of students for community pharmacy practice by emphasizing best practices in dealing with such illnesses as diabetes, hypertension and AIDS, according to the selection committee. He also has been actively involved in the development, implementation and completion of the community pharmacy practice residency program. He has held leadership positions within his department and serves as a role model to students and practitioners with regard to moral and ethical ideals, as well as fosters collaboration among individuals.
The Kroger Professorship will provide salary support, research or teaching assistance, travel expenses, memberships and other expenses that enhance the effectiveness of the professorship.
