Dr. Toyin Tofade made history in July 2022 when she became the first Black female president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS).
Since taking office, she has led groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the institution and strengthened its future.
Under her leadership, ACPHS introduced a bold strategic plan and launched ACPHS Online in March 2024.
She also restructured academic units, implemented a leadership program for aspiring professionals, and encouraged an entrepreneurial mindset across the college.
These efforts have contributed to remarkable enrollment growth. As of July 2024, total applications have increased by 18.58%, deposits have risen by 35.03%, and transfer admissions have soared by an astonishing 714.29%. PharmD year-one deposits also surged by 210%, while industrial fellowship positions for graduates have doubled.
The year 2024 marked the largest expansion in ACPHS history, with the introduction of seven new degree programs. These include bachelor’s programs in health sciences, psychology, forensic science, and biology, as well as master’s programs in biomedical sciences and cytotechnology.
Beyond academics, student life at ACPHS has flourished under Tofade’s leadership. The institution has gained greater media recognition and celebrated national championships in men’s track & field and women’s soccer. Additionally, she has strengthened partnerships at local, national, and international levels, further positioning ACPHS as a leader in healthcare education.
Before joining ACPHS, Dr. Tofade was the Dean and a Professor at Howard University College of Pharmacy. She also held leadership roles at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and worked as a clinical specialist at UNC hospitals. In addition, she served as the Director of Pharmacotherapy Services at Wake AHEC.
A trailblazer in pharmacy leadership, Tofade became the first Black woman to serve as President of the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) Academic Pharmacy Section and was named an FIP Fellow in 2018. She has also contributed to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and actively participated in policy advocacy.
Her contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including Albany Business Review’s “Power 50 Executive” recognition for two consecutive years, ASHP’s 2022 Donald E. Francke Medal, and the UNC Pharmacy Alumni Association’s 2021 Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Tofade holds a BPharm from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MS in Pharmacy Practice, and a PharmD from UNC Chapel Hill. She has also completed leadership training at Harvard Kennedy School and Penn State, further cementing her reputation as a visionary leader in pharmacy education.
