Pre-Conference Session
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm AST
Fee: $300; $150 Students AFO SIG Program only or $225; $125 Students with full conference registration. Pre-registration required; registration includes lunch.
The Administrative and Financial Officers (AFO) SIG program is designed for administrative and financial officers, as well as other AACP participants interested in key administrative, financial, and leadership issues that influence the operations of colleges of pharmacy. This half-day program will provide participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions regarding creative partnerships, fiscal operations and other areas of responsibility within the finance and administration role, as well as hot topics in the world of finance and operations.
9:00 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
Using SCRUM Principles to Maintain Goal Resilience and Engagement
The SCRUM framework uses six key principles to help teams manage multiple priorities efficiently and effectively. It promotes collaboration, focus, and adaptability while supporting leaders with visionary approaches. By emphasizing high-priority tasks and quick problem-solving, SCRUM strengthens teamwork and goal resilience. Adopting these practices enables teams to streamline meetings and consistently achieve their most important objectives.
Speaker: Jeremy Hughes, Pharm.D., Ed.D., Associate Dean for Professional Pharmacy Education, University of Washington; Speaker: David Fuentes, Pharm.D., Ed.D., MSOL, SHRM-CP, Associate Dean, College of Health, University of Montana; Speaker: David Weldon, Ph.D., Dean, School of Pharmacy, William Carey University
10:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
The Cost of Command: Ethics, Crisis, and the Human Factor
This session uses storytelling and a survival-based case study to explore ethical decision-making in leadership under crisis. Participants will confront challenging moral choices, discuss ethical frameworks, and reflect on personal and professional values. The experience encourages deep reflection, helping attendees understand how ethics can shift under pressure and providing practical strategies for navigating complex leadership dilemmas.
Speaker: Eric J. Johnson, CPA, MBA, MS-MIS, Sr. Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Campus
11:15 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
AFO SIG Rapid- Fire/Focus Topics
Topic Discussion with attendees first at their respective tables and then with the attending group. Focus topics to be determined.
12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Billable Time: Pros and Cons of Involving Staff in the Educational Mission
Schools of pharmacy are experiencing financial strain from budget cuts, enrollment declines, and reduced faculty positions. While pursuing new revenue sources can increase faculty workload, eliminating staff roles may harm efficiency and wellbeing. Involving staff more directly in the educational mission can enhance effectiveness by utilizing their expertise and freeing faculty to focus on teaching and research. This session explores the advantages and challenges of expanding staff involvement in academic activities.
Speaker: Lisa Lebovitz, J.D., M.S., Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs & Assessment, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; Speaker: Minakshi Lahiri, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Academic Assessments, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Speaker: Sharon K. Park, Pharm.D., M.Ed., BCPS, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs & Assessment, Professor, Clinical & Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Notre Dame of Maryland University; Speaker: Gloria R. Grice, Pharm.D., BCPS, FNAP, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy