“We are a community—let’s continue to build it”
This article was published in The Script Magazine – Spring 2026.
In a classroom filled to the brim with students at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, James McAuley, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, FNAP, professor and associate dean for student success, delivers an opening volley for a discussion he hopes will inspire students, faculty and staff. “We are a community—let’s continue to build it.”
This crowd at the PharmD Class of 2029 P1 Integration has assembled at the start of the autumn 2025 semester to learn of Pharmacy Buckeyes Building Community (#PBBC), a college wellness campaign established in 2022 to counter the isolation and distancing students experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To this day, the #PBBC campaign has been central to the college’s focus on building community, as is laid out in the people and culture pillar of its strategic plan.
“The ways in which our students carefully develop learning and social events for their community never ceases to amaze me,” Dr. McAuley said. “A lot of the time, you just get out of the students’ way because they have such impressive motivation to shape their community’s future.”
Dr. McAuley has been a steadfast student ally at the college for over 30 years, as his roles have spanned teaching, precepting and student success. As associate dean for student success, he has been central to shaping how the college builds community and supports students.
“Since my start in March 1993, I’ve been lucky to collaborate with incredible folks across the college and campus to make sure that our students can be their best selves here,” he said. “I credit a lot of the successes we’ve had in improving students’ progress in the college to my partners in the Office of Student Success and the students themselves.
From guest speakers to exam-season relaxation events, students look out for one another's professional and personal development. One particular point of pride for Dr. McAuley is seeing his students launch conversations surrounding the stigma of mental health in the 2010s.
He credits courageous moves like that for the creation of key resources at the college. Student leaders are responsible for the push to establish official wellness programming and a dedicated college mental health counselor, Shawn Levstek, PsyD.
“Wellness is a holistic thing,” Dr. McAuley said. “Over the years, I’ve seen student advocates create spaces to connect and advocate for resources that serve them on a personal level. Our students step up and our faculty and staff empower them.”
In all the ways that students, faculty and staff strengthen the community, Dr. McAuley is there to run interference, make connections and just show up.
Emily Keeler, wellness and community builder at the college, highlighted just how much Dr. McAuley’s presence has impacted the college over his career.
“Our roles have intersected a lot over the years, with both of us serving as supports to student success and college programming,” she said. “Regardless of all the initiatives he’s led or sponsored that have proven to help our community, he always shows up. Whether that’s an organized outing to get folks together or an event to address serious issues, he will be there.”
As Dr. McAuley prepares for retirement after 33 years on faculty at the end of the academic year, he expresses optimism for the college’s next steps.
“If anything, the successes that I’ve been lucky enough to help with prove that this community has the right people,” he said. “For years, students have energized me so much, and their strength and vulnerability are an inspiration. I have no doubt that their spark and the passion of our staff and faculty will bring many more positives in the future.”