Johnnie Early II, dean of Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Public Health, is stepping down from his role – a move that comes as the school’s licensure program struggles with low exam pass rates.
As Early will join the faculty and serve in accreditation, Seth Ablordeppey – a veteran professor, Eminent Scholar chair and Fulbright Scholar – has been appointed interim dean. Early’s last day is Friday, and Ablordeppey begins Monday, according to a CoPPS, IPH release sent to faculty and staff that was obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat Wednesday.
“It has been an honor to serve as your CEO Dean, and I’m grateful for the highly noteworthy progress we have made together,” Early said in an undated letter obtained by the Democrat Thursday, which was sent to FAMU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, faculty and staff.
Early’s decision comes as the pharmacy school is one of the university’s four professional licensure programs with exam pass rates that remain lower than benchmark goals , with the others being law, nursing and physical therapy.