A day of growth, connection and vision: College of Pharmacy Retreat at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
UNT Health Fort Worth’s College of Pharmacy recently gathered at the Fort Worth Botanical
Gardens for a retreat that not only brought faculty and staff together, but also set
the stage for the future of pharmacy education in the college.
The retreat began with breakfast and open discussions, helping everyone – new and familiar faces alike – to connect in a way that an office setting often doesn’t allow. It continued with team-building activities, presentations about the state of the industry and pharmacy education, and opportunities to contribute ideas.
“Getting together with coworkers outside of the office environment is always a chance to learn something new about each other. I enjoyed the icebreakers and brainstorming, not to mention the shared meals,” said Carmen Auerbach, senior administrative coordinator.
The chance to bond over shared moments in a relaxed environment allowed the group to form deeper connections, setting a foundation for open and honest discussions.
For many, this retreat was an invaluable chance to fully integrate into the “pharmily” at the college.
“As a new member of the college, the retreat was a great experience to get to know everyone better. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to openly discuss ways to continuously assess our progress and improve for the student body, while also celebrating the aspects we excel at,” said Dr. Jordan Chiasson, assistant professor of pharmacotherapy.
The experience highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of inclusion where every voice is valued, no matter how new or experienced.
As the day unfolded, the group dove deep into brainstorming sessions that helped align their collective “why” with the College’s strategic plan for the future.
“It was great spending time with College of Pharmacy colleagues and having a chance to get to know them better while working to align our collective why with our strategic plan moving forward,” said Donna Coyle, executive director of research services.
The strategic focus of the retreat encouraged everyone to think about how they, as a team, could contribute to the greater mission of the college, ensuring that every step taken is intentional and purposeful.
“My favorite part of the retreat was collaborating with colleagues and brainstorming ways we can continue to provide the highest quality of education for our learners. It was inspiring to work together with a shared commitment to excellence in pharmacy education,” said Dr. Neba Rolake, assistant professor of pharmacotherapy.
This spirit of unity and shared purpose was a cornerstone of the retreat, as everyone came together to focus on enhancing the learning experience for students and ensuring that the College’s impact on the profession continues to grow.
“The College of Pharmacy’s recent retreat proved to be a great success as we were able to dedicate focused time together to think about how we can enhance our programs for the benefit of our students and the patients whom they will serve throughout their careers,” said Dr. Kyle Emmitte, senior assistant dean.
Beyond the strategic discussions, the retreat also emphasized the importance of stepping back, recharging, and reflecting on the work being done.
“It is always great when our college is able to come together as a pharmily to not only catch up and share some laughs, but also to take the time to recharge and focus our efforts on all the important work being done. Everyone truly has the students’ education at the forefront of all we do,” said Austin Luna, director of student experience and academic services.
These moments of connection, laughter, and shared purpose served as a reminder that the success of the college is built – not just on policies and procedures – but on the relationships and passion of its people.
A key theme of the retreat was the need to move forward together as a community, embracing change and being open to evolving the way things are done. This openness to change was discussed openly throughout the day, with everyone recognizing that while tradition is important, innovation is necessary for progress.
“Some changes will take time, others may come more quickly, but what matters most is that we move forward with purpose, and I trust that we will. Our culture supports that journey through respectful dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to thoughtful progress,” Dean Robinson said.
As the retreat came to an end, there was a palpable sense of renewed energy among the group. The College of Pharmacy at UNT Health not only strengthened its connections and clarified its vision, but also embraced a future of change, collaboration, and excellence.