News Center

Published April 20, 2026

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe has named Gina Craft, Pharm.D., as the next Dean of the College of Pharmacy. Craft is a 28-year veteran of ULM, most recently serving as Interim Dean since August 2025.  

“It is a pleasure to name Dr. Gina Craft as the Dean of the ULM College of Pharmacy,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “During her time as Interim Dean and throughout her 28 years at ULM, Dr. Craft has proven that she has the leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and deep pharmaceutical and institutional knowledge that will allow her to excel in this role and move the College of Pharmacy forward. Dr. Craft has a bold vision for the future that is in alignment with this administration’s goals. I look forward to working closely with her to make the best even better,” added Castille.  

“I am incredibly honored to be named Dean of the ULM College of Pharmacy,” said Craft.  “As a proud Louisianian, this moment is deeply personal to me. Louisiana’s culture, people, and sense of community are truly special, and I have long appreciated the important role ULM plays in preparing pharmacists who serve our state,” she added.  

A native of Denham Springs, La., Dr. Craft earned her B.S. in Pharmacy and MBA from ULM and her Pharm.D. from the University of Florida. In her time at ULM, Craft has served in a number of leadership roles, including Director of the School of Clinical Sciences and Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy, with a scope spanning assessment, administrative affairs, culture, and strategic operations across the College.  

Craft also led the College through two accreditation visits and played a key leadership role in securing the original Louisiana Department of Health grant that established the Office of Outcomes Research, through which the College has supported the state for 25 years in areas including data analysis, management of the preferred drug list, and drug utilization reviews. 

“Dr. Craft has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration on broader university priorities and opportunities,” said ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McEacharn. “Her appointment reflects both her outstanding record of service and her strong vision for the future of the College of Pharmacy. I am confident she will lead with purpose, collaboration, and a strong commitment to student success and institutional excellence,” stated McEacharn.  

Craft’s selection was made after a months-long search by a hiring committee led by ULM College of Arts, Education, and Sciences Dean Dr. John Pratte. The committee presented three finalists for campus visits, with Craft ultimately being recommended and selected.  

"I wish to thank the other members of the search committee for the great work that they did, especially in reaching out to colleagues at other institutions to recruit good candidates and in providing a professional vetting process for evaluating all applications  I also wish to thank the students, staff, and faculty of the College of Pharmacy for creating such a positive interview experience for the candidates, all of whom commented on how well they enjoyed their time in Monroe,” said Pratte. 

Upon her appointment, Craft reflected further on the impact that ULM and the College of Pharmacy have had on her life. “The profession of pharmacy has been very good to my family and me over the years, and that connection became even more personal with my son’s recent graduation from our program. To lead a College that has contributed so much to the profession in Louisiana is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to advance the College’s impact in the years ahead,” said Craft.  

Dr. Craft’s appointment is pending approval from the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.