Dr. Candace Barnett, executive associate dean, professor of pharmacy practice, and distinguished professor of pharmacy administration, will retire from Mercer University College of Pharmacy on July 31, concluding more than 40 years of dedicated service.
Since joining the College in 1984 (then the Southern School of Pharmacy), Dr. Barnett has played a transformative role in its academic evolution. As head of Academic Affairs, she guided many future pharmacists through the challenges of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).
“It has been a great source of satisfaction to watch students succeed,” Dr. Barnett said. “I still stay in touch with many of them.”
Her contributions extend beyond the classroom. Dr. Barnett reactivated the College’s January entry point into the Pharm.D. program and collaborated with the Office of Admissions to expand the applicant pipeline by targeting pharmacy technicians through focused marketing as well as to offer pre-pharmacy courses on the Atlanta campus in partnership with the College of Professional Advancement. She was also instrumental in implementing block and hybrid-block scheduling and initiating student focus groups, progression assessments, peer-reviewing of teaching, and the co-curricular professional engagement program.
Dr. Barnett played a leading role in essential accreditation efforts, serving as self-study chair for the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education reviews in 2002 and 2017, as co-chair in 2008, and as a mentor to the chair in 2022. Mercer earned full-term renewal in each cycle.
“I’ll always remember the incredible faculty and staff I’ve worked with through research, team teaching, committees and special initiatives,” said Dr. Barnett. “We achieved a great deal and built lasting collegial friendships along the way.”
With her academic roots at Purdue University (B.S. in pharmacy) and the University of Florida (Ph.D.), Dr. Barnett brought a research-driven perspective to her position at Mercer. At a time when the College focused primarily on teaching and service, she contributed to the growth of research through her own research agenda, which focused on education and the behavioral and social aspects of pharmacy practice.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barnett considers teaching and mentoring students her most rewarding role.
“Our students are eager to learn what they need to practice pharmacy,” she said. “But many haven’t considered how they’ll engage with patients and colleagues. I’ve tried to help them reflect on that through both instruction and example.”
She emphasized the importance of empathy in the classroom, especially as more students arrive with varied life experiences and responsibilities.
“Meeting them where they are has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned,” she said.
Interim Dean Dr. Pamela Moye praised Dr. Barnett’s impact.
“She has been the heart and compass of the College for over four decades. Her leadership not only shaped our programs but also our people,” Dr. Moye said. “Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment, boundless innovation, and a profound belief in the success of both students and faculty. We are stronger because of her.”
Dr. Barnett plans to remain active through service work in retirement, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.
