In 2019, Dean Hritcko took the stage to give a speech to students during their professionalism ceremony. Recently appointed, the Dean inspired ambitious pharmacy students to start their journey with passion and determination. The Dean’s goals have been clear from the start: “I look forward to leading the UConn School of Pharmacy through its accreditation cycle while continuing to grow its research, faculty, and stature.” After five years, the Dean has delivered on these promises and much more.
Dean Hritcko earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and his Pharm.D. from the Albany College of Pharmacy in New York. He has held numerous professional roles, including clinical pharmacy specialist in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, district pharmacy supervisor, pharmacy manager, and registered pharmacist for CVS pharmacy. He also holds several professional certifications and affiliations, including with the American Pharmacists Association and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
“I feel very passionate about the school itself and UConn, and I want to make sure that we continue on an upward trajectory.”
Dean Hritcko joined Husky Nation over 21 years ago, initially hired as the Director for Experiential Education. Over his two-decade-long journey at UConn, he has served in various roles: Assistant Dean of Experiential Education, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Interim Dean, and finally Dean. When the previous dean of the School of Pharmacy stepped down, Hritcko saw an opportunity to step into this role and was eager to showcase his passion for the School in such an impactful way.
Dean Hritcko’s biggest challenge came in his first year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Unable to conduct in-person lectures or labs, the School of Pharmacy and its students adapted to online teaching and learning. The transition back to in-person learning proved to be just as challenging, as both teachers and students were just becoming comfortable with online learning. Despite these difficult transitions, Dean Hritcko credits his phenomenal leadership team, faculty, and staff for their perseverance and adaptability.
When asked what he’s most proud of, Dean Hritcko passionately explains the new curriculum in the School of Pharmacy’s professional program, which was recently approved by the faculty. This curriculum change, now in the early stages of implementation, will help future students become better prepared for the demands of practicing as contemporary pharmacists. The Dean expects to see real change reflected in future North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) scores, a licensing board exam pharmacy students take to become licensed pharmacists.
In addition to the new curriculum, Dean Hritcko is grateful to celebrate the UConn School of Pharmacy’s 100th year of excellence, innovation, and care in his leadership role. During the past century, the UConn School of Pharmacy has been at the forefront of education, innovative research, and health care.
“I happen to be here during the Centennial year, which is another great opportunity for our School to celebrate where we are now and where we want to go into the future.”
Throughout the last five years, the School of Pharmacy has seen tremendous growth in both its research and its opportunities to change pharmacy practice within Connecticut. As emphasized by Dean Hritcko, these advances are the result of phenomenal researchers and innovative pharmacy practice faculty who have influenced state regulations related to pharmacy practice.
Raising over 17 million dollars for philanthropy, Dean Hritcko’s steady leadership has deepened the School’s enterprise, strengthened academic pathways, and has expanded its statewide impact. Under his leadership, the School has earned full eight-continued accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and updated the School’s Professional Program Curriculum.
The 2021 year was a testament to the excellence of UConn’s School of Pharmacy and Dean Hritcko’s leadership: the School received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Lawrence C. Weaver Transformative Community while Dean Hritcko’s public engagement and health advocacy was celebrated and honored in the Hartford Business Journal and he received a Healthcare Heroes Award in the category of Community Service – Advocacy/Policy.
Looking to the next five years, Dean Hritcko aims to continue the School’s leadership in several areas, increase research capabilities for faculty in both practice and pharmaceutical sciences, facilitate further collaborations between faculty and the private industry (including working with companies and external entities), and find addition scholarship support for students. Additionally, the Dean looks forward to continuing to lead advocacy efforts in the areas of pharmacy practice and reimbursement for pharmacist services. By providing education to Connecticut’s legislators regarding pharmacist services and pharmacy education, the School will continue to exemplify UConn’s status as a land-grant university and its commitment to community impact.
Rooted in the accomplishments Dean Hritcko has achieved over the past five years, and in those he strives for in the next five years, is his passion for supporting students. In his various roles at UConn, the Dean has seen students struggle and strive to overcome numerous barriers, especially when affording a college education. By helping the students through scholarships and encouraging alumni and friends of UConn Pharmacy to contribute, the Dean has found a way to fulfill his passion for accessible education.
“It is our number #1 priority to help our students, in any way we can, to be successful.”
Dean Hritcko’s biggest takeaway from his time as Dean has been the people, “What they contribute to the success of our school is a privilege to be a part of.” These individuals have made the School successful, and the Dean is grateful to have worked with them. He will continue to value those around him in his next term while implementing his vision for all of what UConn Pharmacy is capable of!
