Johnnie L. Early, II, PhD, RPh, Fellow, NPhA

February 2017

A dean since 1987, Dr. Early has served at historically black Florida A&M University, Medical University of South Carolina and The University of Toledo (UT). His learning began in the public schools of Macon, GA. He studied biology/pre-pharmacy at Fort Valley State University (where he met his future bride in the library), pharmacy at Mercer University, and pharmacology and toxicology at Purdue, where he earned his PhD.
Under Dr. Early’s leadership, pharmacy programs at UT have grown, including the unique bachelor’s in cosmetic science and formulation design, PhD in experimental therapeutics, and several dual-degree programs. Endowed student scholarships have grown, with annual gifts exceeding $1 million, and the college’s student, faculty and staff populations have become more diverse. Pipeline programs with Toledo Early College High School, in addition to Walgreens Pharmacy Practice Camp and Shimadzu Pharmaceutical Science Camp (supported by Amway), attract diverse learners. Collaboration with the UT Medical Center Department of Pharmaceutical Services includes pharmacy residency programs in managed care, general pharmacy, and critical care. Community pharmacy training funded by Kroger and the Toledo Family Pharmacy fellowship, along with a CVS/CareMark community pharmacy residency that will be implemented in July 2017. College faculty members practice in the UT Medical Center and Toledo Hospital along with physicians, caring for patients, teaching learners and guiding pharmacy residents.

Dr. Early’s awards include the 50 Most Influential Pharmacists in America, Man of the Year award from Third Baptist Church and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; the AΦA Drum Major Award; the Distinguished Alumnus and Old Master awards from Purdue University; the African American Legacy Project’s (AALP) Legend award; the NPhA Chauncey I. Cooper Award; the Wendell Hill Award from the Association of Black Health Systems Pharmacists; and the Practitioner of the Year Award from Palmetto Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association. In 2016, he was among the first to be honored as a Fellow of the National Pharmaceutical Association.

An award-winning photographer, he volunteers his gift to support Third Baptist Church, pharmacy organizations, the American Heart Association, and Toledo Sister Cities International. Early and his wife of more than 40 years, Diane, have a daughter and son. The AALP called him an “authentically humble…servant-leader [who] has earned the respect of his community and colleagues.”