The 5-Question Interview: Charles Taylor, PharmD
Meet Charles Taylor, PharmD, who was appointed to the position of Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs on Aug. 1.
1. What does a provost do?
I view my role as a “compass” to ensure our financial resources, time and initiatives are oriented toward our academic mission, and we stay on course to achieve our goals and objectives through extraordinary teamwork. I am excited about the ability to focus on the success of our students and faculty and consider myself very fortunate to have this outstanding opportunity.
2. What are UNTHSC’s academic strengths?
Our students are amazing, and I am in awe every time I have an opportunity to spend time with them. Couple that with our incredible faculty, and we are positioned to accomplish great things at the Health Science Center. And while the concept of “interprofessional education” isn’t necessarily new, I think we have the ability to take it to the next level with the caliber of programs we have on our campus.
3. What excites you about your new role?
I literally lose all track of time when people come together to brainstorm and collaborate on areas that influence our students and their experience at UNTHSC. To me, that’s fun and exciting and not anything I would label as “work.” Now my “Team” is going to be the entire campus – can you believe it? I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and make great things happen for our students and faculty.
4. What was your hometown like?
I grew up in a small town in northwest Alabama called Phil Campbell, population 1,100. We have a stop sign, a little country grocery store and a post office. That’s what we call “livin’ in the country.” My graduating high school class was huge – 65 students. It’s the same high school my parents went to.
5. This is not really a question, but you have cooler dress socks than anyone on campus.
I have so many pairs of socks these days that I’ve lost count. Some are fun and whimsical while others are more subdued and professional. But I enjoy the variety as they’re reflective of me and my mood on any particular day. And I love that people are noticing and having more fun with their socks. Now I find myself telling others on campus, “Hey, cool socks!”
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