When Cindy Sanoski, PharmD, walked through the doors of the University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy for her interview, she knew this was where she belonged. The state-of-the-art building, the collegial atmosphere among faculty, and the impressive engagement of students left a big impression.
Now, as the new associate dean of Student Affairs in the Office of Professional Education and professor of instruction in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Sanoski is eager to channel her passion for education and mentorship into shaping the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
Sanoski’s journey in pharmacy education spans decades. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Duquesne University. She also gained expertise through a postdoctoral Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Her professional path began at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, where she taught for two years. Sanoski then moved closer to home in Pennsylvania and spent seven years at the University of the Sciences’ College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia.
Her leadership abilities were recognized when she named as department chair for Pharmacy Practice at the newly established Jefferson College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia — a role she held for 17 years.
After her mother’s passing, Sanoski began to consider new opportunities for growth. Reflecting on her first visit to Iowa City and the UI College of Pharmacy, she recalls the warmth of the faculty and students and the impressive facilities.
“The building was a high selling point,” she shared. “The faculty were welcoming and collegial. It was a great feeling during my interview.”
Sanoski stepped into her role on Sept. 3 and has quickly developed a deep appreciation for the college. She shared how faculty members have been incredibly supportive — not only in the office but also in helping her settle into Iowa City, from offering restaurant recommendations to assisting her in finding a home.
This appreciation extends to the students as well.
“I find the students here to be very mature,” she noted. “They’re very engaged, not only in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities.”
Her responsibilities as associate dean of Student Affairs include overseeing the PharmD student admissions process, recruitment efforts, academic tutoring, and student event planning. She is also involved in teaching and student mentorship, striving to ensure that every student succeeds both academically and professionally.
Sanoski acknowledges the unique challenges faced by today’s pharmacy students. Many manage heavy academic workloads alongside responsibilities such as jobs, families, and caregiving.
“Students today have so many life challenges and obstacles that I would have never foreseen,” she said. “Trying to juggle life with their schoolwork, which is pretty demanding, is a big challenge.”
She’s also observed that pharmacy students often place immense pressure on themselves to succeed and maintain high standards, which can significantly impact their mental health.
Despite these hurdles, Sanoski sees a hopeful future for the profession.
“Our students go above and beyond the curriculum,” she said. “They’re incredibly bright and motivated to make a difference in people’s lives.”
As Sanoski continues settling into her role, her goals are clear: maintaining strong admissions targets, recruiting a full class for the next academic year, and deepening her involvement in teaching.
“I really love my job,” she said. “It checks all my boxes. I feel challenged every day in my job, which is professionally and personally rewarding to me.”
Her passion for lifelong learning and dedication to helping students succeed make her an invaluable asset to the UI College of Pharmacy.