Advancing Academic Rank Portability in Pharmacy Education

Recent pharmacy school closures and consolidations have intensified concerns about faculty job security and mobility, making academic rank portability (ARP)-the ability to transition between institutions without loss of academic rank-an increasingly important consideration. This commentary explores the structural and cultural barriers that limit ARP, particularly for faculty moving from teaching-focused institutions to research-intensive (R1) environments. Differences in workload allocation, scholarly expectations, and promotion criteria often result in misalignment, leaving experienced faculty unable to retain their rank despite strong teaching and service records. Drawing from the literature and personal experience, we highlight how faculty can proactively plan for ARP by aligning their academic profiles with broader institutional expectations, particularly in research and scholarship. Strategies include reframing teaching and service activities as scholarship, adopting structured writing routines, and leveraging professional development opportunities. Creative frameworks, such as design thinking, along with participation in national leadership and research training programs, can further enhance scholarly identity and visibility. While ARP is not guaranteed, faculty who intentionally build portable academic portfolios are better positioned to navigate institutional transitions and sustain long-term career growth.