John Gums named interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy

David R. Nelson, M.D., Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, UF & President, UF Health

I am writing to share that John Gums, Pharm.D., will take over as interim dean of the UF College of Pharmacy on Aug. 15. His appointment will help the college through the transition period until a new dean is named.

Dr. Gums is well-positioned to assume this leadership role. He currently serves as the associate dean for clinical and administrative affairs and a professor of pharmacy and medicine. He has been a member of the faculty since 1985, with the last nine years spent in the associate dean role. Under his guidance, the college has expanded its clinical footprint in Florida and developed new revenue models that have capitalized on the pharmacists’ expanding role in health care. He is a licensed pharmacist in Florida and a member of several state and national pharmacy organizations, and he has authored more than 175 publications.

I am appreciative of Dr. Gums serving in this role as negotiations continue in the search for the college’s next dean. I look forward to updating you when there is additional information to share.

Lastly, I want to give special recognition to Dean Julie Johnson, who is in her final week leading the UF College of Pharmacy. Thanks to her visionary leadership, the college is in a great position for a new dean to build upon the momentum gained during her tenure. Thank you, Dean Johnson, for your nine years of service and dedication as dean.