Professor Named to Board of National Pharmacy Organization

John Bentley to serve in role for American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education

John Bentley

OXFORD, Miss. – John Bentley, professor of pharmacy administration and director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management at the University of Mississippi, has been named to the board of directors of the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education.

AFPE is the oldest pharmacy foundation in the country. Created in 1942 to support pharmaceutical education in the United States, the organization funds numerous scholarships and grants that benefit researchers and academics within the profession.

A faculty member in the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy since 1998, Bentley views his appointment to the foundation’s board as an extension of his work with the school.

“Faculty members are expected to contribute to the tripartite mission of teaching, research and service,” Bentley said. “Part of our expectations include contributing our time and effort to our departments, schools and universities, but also to our professions and scientific disciplines.

“Thus, serving as a member of the AFPE board of directors is part of my duties as a professor here at the School of Pharmacy.”

Bentley has a long history of service to the organization, said Ellen Woods, the foundation’s president.

“Dr. Bentley has been an incredible asset to AFPE,” Woods said. “Prior to joining the board of directors, he served on the Planning and Education as well as the Development committees.

“Dr. Bentley received an AFPE fellowship early in his career and understands the importance of the award to students. AFPE is grateful for his leadership and commitment to the mission.”

The professor plans to continue serving on the organization’s committees. He also anticipates taking on new roles, such as assisting with the selection of the prestigious William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award.

Bentley said that the chance to expand his service to the organization is a tremendous honor.

“As a past recipient of an AFPE fellowship when I was a graduate student, it is an honor to serve on the AFPE board of directors,” Bentley said. “AFPE made a significant contribution to my development as a scientist, and I will always be grateful.

“Serving in this role is just one small way to show my appreciation to AFPE and those who have donated to the foundation.”