A warm reception to Dr. James McAuley

On March 11, James McAuley, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, received a pleasant surprise when faculty, staff and students lined the hallways of Parks Hall, clapping as his final time in class with PharmD students at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy came to a close. 

For 33 years, Dr. McAuley has played a pivotal role at the College of Pharmacy as a professor and associate dean for student success. This year, he is closing a distinguished chapter and opening a new one: a well-deserved retirement.

His last class with PharmD students included an IPCaL activity in which they engaged in a small-group discussion following a challenging patient encounter. Dr. McAuley was no stranger to this activity, as he helped create it over 10 years ago. In 2018, the activity moved into a different course, but Dr. McAuley wanted to remain involved.

"He always prioritized connecting with our students, so he volunteered to lead as many sessions as he could," said David Matthews, PharmD, BCACP, assistant dean for PharmD studies and associate professor - practice. "This year, with it being his final year, he really wanted to cover every session because it was his last time in class with PharmD students."

Beyond his robust professional career at the College of Pharmacy, Dr. McAuley also practiced as a clinical pharmacist in the Epilepsy Division of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for 28 years.