Associate Professor Alison Thompson appointed Associate Dean, Student Success

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Alison Thompson as Associate Dean, Student Success, effective July 1, 2026.

In this role, Associate Professor Thompson will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the student experience, including oversight of student services and advancing initiatives that support student wellbeing, engagement, and success throughout their academic journey.

Working closely with the Dean, Associate Dean, Academic, Program Directors, and central administrative units, Thompson will lead efforts related to recruitment, admissions, advising, and student life, while also supporting program evaluation and continuous quality improvement. Her work will focus on strengthening how the Faculty supports students across co-curricular, academic, and wellness domains, and on building a more connected and responsive learning environment.

For students, this means enhanced access to supports and programming that extend beyond the classroom, including clearer pathways to advising, more opportunities for meaningful engagement, and spaces that encourage open dialogue, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community across the Faculty.

“I am excited by the opportunity to strengthen how we support students — not only in their academic progress, but in how they experience their time at the Faculty,” said Thompson. “We know that many of the challenges students face are not just academic, but relational — including a real hesitation to speak up or engage. This role creates space to think more intentionally about community, dialogue, and how we support students in navigating complex ideas and conversations.”

“We know that many of the challenges students face are not just academic, but relational — including a real hesitation to speak up or engage. This role creates space to think more intentionally about community, dialogue, and how we support students in navigating complex ideas and conversations.”

Since joining the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy in 2007, Associate Professor Thompson has contributed extensively to the academic community through leadership in recruitment and admissions, curriculum development, and governance. A bioethicist, her work explores the intersection of scientific expertise and public perspectives, with research spanning vaccine hesitancy, drug safety, and health equity.

Over the past year, Thompson has provided thoughtful leadership as Acting Associate Dean, Academic, advancing key priorities within the PharmD program and supporting initiatives that strengthen student experience, professionalism, and dialogue across the Faculty.

“I look forward to working closely with Associate Professor Thompson to foster student success at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.” said Dean Lisa Dolovich. “She brings a unique set of experiences and expertise that is well suited to ensure our students can grow as professionals, scientists and emerging adults who will leave U of T equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Thompson’s approach reflects a broader view of student success, one that extends beyond outcomes to include the quality of students’ experiences, their sense of belonging, and their ability to engage meaningfully with new and sometimes challenging ideas.