Dr. Gina Craft named Dean of 四色AV College of Pharmacy

Published April 20, 2026

Gina Craft, Pharm.D. Dean College of Pharmacy 四色AV Logo Gina Craft poses with a smile.

MONROE, La.听鈥撎The University of Louisiana Monroe has named Gina Craft, Pharm.D., as the next Dean of the College of Pharmacy.听Craft is a 28-year veteran of 四色AV, most recently serving as Interim Dean听since August 2025.听

鈥淚t is a pleasure to name Dr. Gina Craft as the Dean of the 四色AV College of Pharmacy,鈥 said 四色AV President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. 鈥淒uring her time as Interim Dean and throughout her 28听years at 四色AV, Dr. Craft has proven that she has the leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and deep pharmaceutical and institutional knowledge that will allow her to excel in this role and move the College of Pharmacy forward.听Dr. Craft has a bold vision for the future that is in alignment with this administration鈥檚 goals. I look forward to working closely with her to make the best听even better,鈥 added Castille.听

鈥淚 am incredibly honored to be named Dean of the 四色AV College of Pharmacy,鈥 said Craft.听听鈥淎s a proud Louisianian, this moment is deeply personal to me. Louisiana鈥檚 culture, people, and sense of community are truly special, and I have long appreciated the听important role听四色AV plays in preparing pharmacists who serve our state,鈥 she added.听

A听native of Denham Springs, La., Dr. Craft earned her B.S. in Pharmacy and MBA from 四色AV and her Pharm.D.听from the University of Florida. In her time at 四色AV, Craft has served in听a听number of听leadership roles, including听Director of the School of Clinical Sciences and Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy,听with a scope spanning assessment, administrative affairs, culture, and strategic operations across the College.听

Craft听also led听the College through two accreditation visits and played听a key leadership role in securing the original Louisiana Department of Health grant that established the Office of Outcomes Research, through which the College has supported the state for 25 years in areas including data analysis, management of the preferred drug list, and drug utilization reviews.

鈥淒r. Craft has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration on broader university priorities and opportunities,鈥 said 四色AV Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle听McEacharn. 鈥淗er听appointment reflects both her outstanding record of service and her strong vision for the future of the College of Pharmacy. I am confident she will lead with purpose, collaboration, and a strong commitment to student success and institutional excellence,鈥 stated听McEacharn.听

Craft鈥檚听selection听was made after a months-long search by a hiring committee led by 四色AV College of Arts, Education, and Sciences Dean Dr. John Pratte.听The committee presented three finalists for campus visits, with Craft听ultimately being听recommended听and selected.听

"I wish to thank the other members of the search committee for the great work that they did, especially in reaching out to colleagues at other institutions to recruit good candidates and in providing a professional vetting process for evaluating all applications听 I also wish to thank the students, staff, and faculty of the College of Pharmacy for creating such a positive interview experience for the candidates, all of whom commented on how well they enjoyed their time in Monroe,鈥 said Pratte.

Upon her appointment, Craft reflected further on the impact that 四色AV and the College of Pharmacy have had on her life. 鈥淭he profession of pharmacy has been听very good听to my family and me听over the years, and that connection听became听even more personal with my son鈥檚 recent graduation from our program. To lead a听College听that has contributed so much to the profession in Louisiana is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to building on our听strong foundation听and working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to advance the College鈥檚 impact in the years ahead,鈥 said Craft.听

Dr. Craft鈥檚 appointment is pending approval from the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.听