Welch hired as new associate dean at Gatton College of Pharmacy

JOHNSON CITY The Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University has named Dr. Adam Welch the new associate dean for Academic Affairs and Assessment. Welch will also serve as an associate professor of pharmacy practice at ETSU.  

He joins ETSU after serving as acting assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Assessment for two years at Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He served several other roles at Nesbitt School of Pharmacy as well during his 10-plus years there.        

A registered pharmacist in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina, Welch earned his doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a masters of business administration from Wilkes University. He completed a community pharmacy residency with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Kerr Drug.           

The Pittsburgh native said he saw the associate dean role at ETSU as a unique opportunity and a good place for me and my family to grow. Officially taking on the job last month, Welch initially will be focused heavily on preparing the College of Pharmacy for its upcoming visit from its accrediting body.

I will be working to make sure we are in compliance with accreditation standards, he explained.

He also is looking forward to supporting the faculty as the college rolls out new changes in the curriculum.  

I bring a vision for contemporary practice for pharmacists so that they can be better prepared as productive members of the health care team, Welch said.  

Welch made the move to East Tennessee with his wife, Kim, who is also a pharmacist, and their two children Elliott, 4, and Isabelle, 20 months. Outside of work, Welch said he enjoys bowling, making wine and running.