The region also suffers from high incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ... Wilkes University's Nesbitt School
73% OF WILKES PHARMACY GRADUATES PRACTICE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Proposal 2017
THE NEED As noted by Gov. Tom Wolf, opioid addiction plagues much of the Commonwealth and is especially prevalent in northeastern Pennsylvania. The region also suffers from high incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and colon and thyroid cancer. It is imperative that the Commonwealth supports projects that help address these issues. Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy is specifically designed in a manner to directly impact the region through improved access to pharmacy education.
ABOUT WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university is on a mission to create one of the great small universities, offering all of the programs, activities, and opportunities of a large, research university in the intimate, caring, and mentoring environment of a small, liberal arts college, at a cost that is increasingly competitive with public universities. The Economist named Wilkes 25th in the nation for the value of its education for graduates. In addition to 43 bachelor’s degree programs, Wilkes offers 25 master’s degree programs and four doctoral/terminal degree programs including the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, and master of fine arts in creative writing.
ABOUT NESBITT SCHOOL OF PHARMACY Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has awarded doctor of pharmacy degrees to more than 1,100 students since graduating its first class in 2000. About 80 percent of these students have come from Pennsylvania, and about 73 percent practice throughout the Commonwealth. The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy is in need of substantial upgrades to remain competitive and competent in a fast-changing health care pharmacy market. While the university continues to adjust its curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of students, an updated facility will allow the university to deliver a premier pharmacy education and address many needs of local health care professionals.
“This update to the University’s School of Pharmacy will show immediate benefits, not only with regard to the education received by students, but also to the graduates’ ability to provide an immediate benefit to their future employers.” - James Gallagher Jr., R.Ph. Senior Advisor, Pharmacist Talent Acquisition, CVS Health
Wilkes Pharm.D. graduates live and work in Pennsylvania.
PITTSBURGH
ECONOMIC IMPACT The economic impact of the Nesbitt pharmacy program is significant. The university’s pharmacy graduates have an average starting salary of $110,000. Employers such as CVS Caremark, Geisinger Health System and community pharmacies across the commonwealth rely on Wilkes University Pharmacy graduates. In addition, about 73 percent of Wilkes pharmacy graduates practice in Pennsylvania. Not only will this pharmacy initiative create high-paying jobs, but these jobs will remain in the Commonwealth. Since the inception of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, more than 800 Wilkes pharmacists are practicing in Pennsylvania.
HEALTH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Part of the newly designed space will support a concept known as the “Center for Medication Use.” This space will allow the Nesbitt School to conduct educational workshops for members of the health care community and general public. These workshops will largely address the opioid epidemic, as well as other health concerns and professional development opportunities. This renovation will allow Wilkes University to strengthen its partnership with the surrounding neighborhoods and provide much needed services for a healthier community.
“The delivery of health care is increasingly more complex and expensive, especially with drugs. This is most evident in NEPA. This area is very fortunate to have the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy producing highly competent professionals willing to stay in Pennsylvania.”
- Sarah Witkowski, Pharm.D. ‘11
Clinical Pharmacist, Geisinger Wyoming Valley
ABOUT THE PROJECT First Floor
Third Floor Laboratory
Facing busy River Street and the River Common, the
Upgrades and renovation of the pharmacy’s primary lab
building’s six existing arched portals will be enclosed
space will create a more flexible lab environment. A new
with glass to create a new entrance to the Nesbitt
vestibule will simulate entry to a class 797 clean room
School of Pharmacy. Beyond the glass enclosures will
environment. The adjacent spaces will house key support
be new administrative offices and gathering space
functions for pharmaceuticals, IV and compounding,
for use by students, faculty and industry partners.
allowing the main lab to be used for multi-functions.
The university’s former art gallery, also located in
This flex-lab concept is consistent with the university’s
this area, will be renovated to a new, technology-rich,
move toward multi-purposed laboratory environments
collaborative instructional space for pharmacy with
throughout Stark Learning Center.
adjacent break-out rooms for teaming, student projects and industry collaboration.
South Entrance Renovation of the 1962 (south) entrance will improve
SUMMARY Over the past 20 years Wilkes University has graduated more
The area adjacent to the new entrance and existing
access to the nearby student center as well as improve
pharmacy library will be renovated from the existing
building accessibility. These are critical elements to
administrative offices into new patient observation
the pharmacy school’s outreach to the community and
rooms. Students can use these rooms to interact with
industry partners.
role in the delivery of health care. These high-paying jobs are
University are positioned to make a positive
Envelope/System Upgrades
vitally important to our economy,
impact on the cost, quality and access of
patients and other medical professionals while under the observation of faculty.
The building’s courtyard is enclosed with energyBasement
inefficient glass walls that adversely affect the interior
A former TV studio will be converted into a new
learning environment. Replacement of glass walls and the
technology-rich, collaborative classroom for pharmacy.
associated/attached heating system will allow for more flexible use of interior spaces. It will also enhance the
Adjacent to one of the pharmacy classrooms will
outdoor courtyard for use in further community outreach.
be a new call center. This will be used by students and faculty for interaction with patients, medical professionals and industry partners as part of the university’s focus on medication therapy management.
RACP REQUEST RACP REQUEST......................................... $4,000,000 WILKES UNIVERSITY MATCH ............ $4,010,038 TOTAL: ........................................ $8,010,038
than 1,100 pharmacists prepared to take on an increasingly critical
our health care systems and
“Pharmacists graduating from Wilkes
to major regional employers.
health care every day. The didactic training
The 20-year-old facilities at the
coupled with the mentorship provided by
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy need urgent improvements to address
their outstanding facility during real-world
changing teaching modalities,
experiences differentiates their alumni
adapt to community needs, and stay competitive. Please support Wilkes University’s $4 million RACP request to fund the $8 million improvements needed for the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy.
throughout Pennsylvania and the country.” - Brandon C. Conforti, Pharm.D. ’09, M.S. CVS Health
Contact: MICHAEL J. WOOD SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 570-408-4305 |
[email protected] Wilkes University 84 W. South St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 www.wilkes.edu
