Coit College of Pharmacy Promotions & Tenure
Promotion and tenure are critical pillars of academic and professional life, serving as both recognition of individual achievement and as systems to uphold the integrity and advancement of institutions. For faculty and researchers, achieving tenure signals a career milestone that reflects sustained excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service. Beyond individual recognition, promotion and tenure processes are vital for fostering a culture of accountability and academic freedom. These processes reinforce the values of merit, peer review, and institutional commitment to intellectual growth. Promotion and tenure shape the future of disciplines by nurturing leadership, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, and establishing benchmarks for excellence across higher education.
Jason Karnes, PharmD, PhD
Associate Professor to Professor with Tenure
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
"I’m honored to be promoted to Full Professor and deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues, students, and the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. My journey in pharmacogenomics research has been shaped by collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to advancing precision medicine. I truly appreciate the opportunity to grow alongside such a dedicated and inspiring group of professionals. Thank you all for being part of this journey—I look forward to continuing our work together to move the field and our college forward."
Nancy Alvarez, PharmD
Associate Professor of Practice to Professor of Practice
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
"I cannot recall a time previously when I intentionally set a goal and focused to attain it, undeterred by doubt, fear, or feelings of loneliness and on my own to figure it out. A deep well of courage, humility, and self-worth has enabled me to exhibit grit and to tell anyone who would listen that I submitted my dossier for review. No secret submission! No waiting only for a positive outcome to tell others! Marianne Williamson has said, 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' With a dash of giddiness, it occurs to me that this experience is evidence that I continue to learn and grow and I am no longer afraid of the light."
Abhijit Date, PhD
Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with Tenure
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
"I moved to the R. K. Coit College of Pharmacy over 3 years ago, and my research and research group flourished in these 3 years due to phenomenal support from the RKCCOP colleagues and leadership and collaborators at the University of Arizona, University of Illinois Chicago, Virginia Tech, and Lundquist Institute. I appreciate the support from my group members, PharmD students, my collaborators, colleagues at the RKCCOP, and the P&T review committee members at all levels, without which this promotion to Associate Professor with tenure would not have been possible."
Bernadette Cornelison, PharmD
Assistant Clinical Professor to Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
"I’m honored by this recognition and deeply thankful to the students, colleagues, mentors, and family who have been part of my journey. This promotion inspires me to keep learning and contributing in meaningful ways to our profession and to those we serve."
Beth Zerr, PharmD
Assistant Clinical Professor to Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science
"The promotion process while intense, was also an opportunity to reflect on the work I’ve done over the past few years and the great collaborators I’ve had. It has renewed my motivation and passion for pharmacy education."