Peter W. Swaan, Ph.D., M.Pharm., dean and professor in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, has been named chair-elect for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, or AACP, Council of Deans.
Elected by his peers, Swaan’s appointment will begin at the AACP Annual Meeting in July, and he will become chair of the council in the summer of 2026. He will also represent the council on AACP’s Board of Directors.
“Leading the AACP Council of Deans and its community of 650 members is a tremendous honor,” Swaan said. “This position provides an opportunity to help shape the future of pharmacy education while working alongside an extraordinary group of deans and leaders committed to advancing the profession.”
The AACP serves as the national voice for pharmacy education, representing more than 140 pharmacy schools and colleges across the United States. Committed to improving societal health, AACP collaborates with its members to advance education, research, practice, and service in the field. Additionally, the organization champions the value of pharmacy education and the profession to audiences outside academia.
The AACP Council of Deans plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmacy education, research, and service. The council supports AACP’s mission and strengthens pharmacy programs nationwide by addressing major issues and influencing policy.
Swaan began his tenure as dean of the UF College of Pharmacy on Dec. 1, 2022. Under his leadership, the college celebrated its centennial in 2023 and achieved its highest ranking (No. 4) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Pharmacy College rankings. Swaan has overseen remarkable growth in research and graduate programs, setting new records for funding and enrollment this year.
Swaan’s distinguished career includes extensive leadership roles in pharmacy organizations. He has chaired the Board of Grants for the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, or AFPE, led committees within the American Association for Pharmaceutical Scientists, and contributed to multiple NIH study sections. Recognized for his mentorship, Swaan has trained over two dozen master’s and Ph.D. students, earning the prestigious AFPE William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award in July 2022.