Call for Inclusion of Staff and Culture Change in Pharmacy Academia

Staff job satisfaction and retention in pharmacy academia remain critical challenges, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although staff roles at colleges and schools of pharmacy have seemingly expanded, resources and recognition may not have kept pace, even though the impact of this has not been formally assessed. This commentary explores the importance of fostering a sense of professional belonging for pharmacy staff, emphasizing the need for professional development opportunities, clear career advancement pathways, and inclusion in shared governance. We call for the establishment of dedicated support and funding for staff development, the creation of staff wellness policies, and the implementation of performance management processes that promote growth. Furthermore, we advocate for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy to develop a national staff survey to guide improvements. Through these efforts, we seek to empower staff and enhance their contributions to the future of pharmacy education.