Office of the President
Toyin Tofade, MS, PharmD, BCPS, CPCC, FFIP 10th President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
President Toyin Tofade: Leading with Vision and Heart
Meet the President
Since stepping into her role as the 10th president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in July 2022 and the first Black woman appointed president in the College’s history, President Toyin Tofade has led ACPHS through an exciting era—guided by bold ideas, compassionate leadership and a clear commitment to student success.
Under her leadership, ACPHS launched a forward-thinking Strategic Plan on a powerful new vision. She oversaw the introduction of ACPHS Online—the College’s first-ever online portfolio—expanded academic programs and championed a culture of innovation, accountability and collaboration across campus.
From assembling a dynamic leadership team driven by SMART goals, to creating a leadership development program for emerging professionals, President Tofade has focused on building a community that’s empowered to lead and inspired to serve. She also implemented practical tools like program reviews and ROI-focused evaluations to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
The impact has been extraordinary:
- Enrollment soared, with total applications up 19%, deposits up 35%, and transfer students increasing by over 700% (as of July 2024).
- PharmD year-one deposits rose by 210% year-over-year.
- Industrial fellowships for recent grads doubled in 2024.
- Global partnerships blossomed in India, the Philippines, Nigeria, Brazil, Indonesia, Taiwan, Seoul and the Bahamas—with more in progress across Asia and Australia to support global learning, faculty research, collaboration and experiential opportunities.
- Seven new academic programs were launched in 2024, the College’s largest expansion, including bachelor’s programs in health sciences, psychology, forensic psychology, forensic science and biology, an online master’s in biomedical sciences and a hybrid master’s in cytotechnology and molecular cytology.
- Even more academic programs are on the horizon for 2025 and beyond. These include an online master’s in health data science and a newly approved bachelor’s in nursing, offered as a 1+2+1 partnership with St. Peter’s Health Partners. A master’s in clinical mental health counseling is pending state approval, and a physician assistant studies program is preparing for a site visit ahead of its expected debut in 2027.
President Tofade’s inspiring leadership has not gone unnoticed. She has been a frequent speaker and board member across national platforms and was named to the Albany Business Review Power 50 list in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Through it all, President Tofade remains grounded in gratitude and grateful to God for the faculty, staff and students who bring ACPHS to life every day, and for the opportunity to lead a college community united by a shared purpose: advancing health and transforming lives.
President’s Support Team
Carol Landau
Executive Assistant
Email: carol.landau@acphs.edu
Phone: 518-694-7255
Altair Espino
Executive Project Analyst and Liaison to the Board
Email: altair.espino@acphs.edu
Phone: 518-694-7326
In May 2025, President Tofade was recognized for giving back to ACPHS with a donation supporting student technology enhancements for one of the lecture rooms on campus. Vice President Michael Pasquarella unveiled a plaque honoring her service.
President, Toyin Tofade and Russell Sage College President, Matthew Shaftel, who were named among the 50 most influential duos in the region by the Albany Business Review in June 2025. The recent list recognizes 100 people committed to improving the Capital Region’s business landscape, building up the region, setting the stage for new investments, and tackling critical issues to create a more vibrant community.
2023 Inauguration Ceremony
“"There are so many ways to achieve our goals. If the idea of serving a higher purpose appeals to you, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together we’ll work to solve problems that change the world."
President Toyin Tofade
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