Pharmacy Educator to Receive Distinguished Service Award at AACP Annual Meeting

Spanning more than three decades, Dr. Spratto's career began in 1966 as a pharmacologist with the Bureau of Drug Abuse Control, Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. He soon joined pharmacy academia as an assistant professor at Purdue University and served in many positions throughout his more than 20 years at Purdue. In 1995, he became dean of the School of Pharmacy at West Virginia University and served in that role until 2006. Dr. Spratto was appointed by AACP to the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) for a six-year term and he served as ACPE president from 2006-2008.

"Dr. Spratto's contributions to pharmacy education have spanned many years and roles - from author, to faculty member, to academic administrator, to national leader, to policy-setter," said Dr. Susan M. Meyer, former graduate student at Purdue and current associate dean for education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. "He was, and remains, an academic role model and mentor."

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Spratto has been the recipient of many professional awards, including the NACDS Schwarz Pharma Leadership Award and the Department of Defense Seven Seals Award for assisting pharmacy students called to active duty in Operation Desert Storm. He has published nearly 40 research and related papers, and co-authored a drug reference book for nurses, which is now published annually. Dr. Spratto earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Fordham University College of Pharmacy in 1961 and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1966.

"I am most appreciative, but surprised, to be named the recipient of the 2009 AACP Board of Directors Distinguished Service Award," said Dr. Spratto. "My sincere thanks to the nominators and to the AACP Board for selecting me for this prestigious award; it means a lot to me."

The 2009 AACP Annual Meeting and Seminars, Leading the Revolution, will be held July 18-22, 2009 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in Boston, Mass. The conference offers educational programming, exhibits, networking events and award presentations. Registration fees are waived for credentialed journalists. Visit the AACP Web site or contact our media relations representative for more information.

About AACP

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) is a national organization representing the interests of pharmacy education and educators. Comprising 112 accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy including more than 5,500 faculty, 50,000 students enrolled in professional programs and 3,900 individuals pursuing graduate study, AACP is committed to excellence in pharmacy education.

AACP
Rebecca Morgan
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