The role of administrative mentoring in the pharmacy deanship

Objectives. The role of administrative-related mentoring in the career advancement of pharmacy deans was described. This study also provided a longitudinal perspective on the pharmacy deanship. Methods. Using a self-administered questionnaire and 2 follow-up mailings in mid-2002, 75 out of 82 current deans in member institutions responded (one institution in the dean search process was excluded), yielding a 91.5% response rate. Results. Overall, 90.2% of current pharmacy deans reported receiving administrative mentoring, while 78% of current deans reported currently serving as an administrative mentor. The administrative mentoring received and provided had a moderate importance in career advancement. Conclusions. More research is necessary to determine what other factors contribute to the career advancement of pharmacy deans. Programming offered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy provides a potential platform for the recruitment and preparation of aspiring deans.