Outstanding Dean Award

Donald Godwin, PhD

Donald A. Godwin, PhD, is dean of the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and a nationally recognized advocate for student pharmacist leadership and professional engagement. Since becoming dean in 2018, he has built a culture that places student pharmacists at the center of the college’s mission, ensuring they have the opportunities, mentorship, and resources needed to become leaders in the profession.

Under his leadership, the UNM College of Pharmacy has consistently invested in student participation in national professional organizations, particularly APhA–ASP. Godwin has ensured ongoing financial and institutional support for students to attend the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition, participate in the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute, and engage in national programs such as the APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders. These opportunities have enabled UNM student pharmacists to develop leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to advancing pharmacy practice.

Godwin is widely recognized for his servant–leadership approach and his commitment to removing barriers that prevent students from engaging fully in the profession. He actively advocates for student pharmacists within the university and the broader profession, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and their achievements are celebrated. Through his encouragement and mentorship, UNM students have taken on regional and national leadership roles within APhA–ASP and other professional organizations.

Beyond institutional support, Godwin maintains a visible and personal commitment to student success. He regularly participates in student outreach initiatives, highlights student accomplishments across the college, and fosters a culture where leadership development and professional service are expected and celebrated.

For his sustained dedication to empowering student pharmacists and advancing student leadership in pharmacy, Godwin was honored with the 2026 APhA–ASP Outstanding Dean Award.

The nominee must: 1) be a Member of APhA; 2) have been an active Dean for at least one year; 3) have actively promoted student welfare; 4) made documentable contributions to achievements of the APhA-ASP Chapter; and 5) must not be a past recipient of the award.

The nominator is responsible for submitting the award nomination packet online via Formsite.The award nomination packet includes:

• Nomination form
• A letter from the nominator describing the most important achievements of the nominee and explaining why the nominee meets the criteria for the award
• Three letters of recommendation are required; a maximum of 6 letters accepted
• A current CV or detailed résumé

For individuals not selected as the recipient of this award, nominators have the opportunity to have packets forwarded to the following year’s Awards Standing Committee for their review. APhA Student Development Staff will contact the nominator each year prior to the deadline to obtain approval for re-nomination and to update any nomination materials. Packets will be forwarded for a maximum of 4 consecutive years.

The selection is made by the APhA–ASP Awards Standing Committee based upon careful review of complete nominations.

The recipient receives a plaque and the following: a complimentary APhA Annual Meeting registration and reimbursement for meeting-related travel expenses, according to current travel policies and up to the maximum amount budgeted by APhA.