Her Story
About Toyin
Toyin Tofade, BPharm, MS, PharmD, CPCC, FFIP, is an accomplished pharmacist, educator, and higher education executive who recently completed a distinguished four-year tenure as the 10th President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) in Albany, New York. She currently serves as President Emerita and Professor, continuing her commitment to advancing healthcare education, leadership development, and institutional excellence. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Tofade has built a reputation as a transformational leader specializing in strategic planning, organizational growth, accreditation, executive coaching, and developing innovative pathways for student and institutional success. Dr. Tofade’s journey began with her passion for pharmacy and a commitment to evidence-based patient care. After discovering the profession as a high school student through Pharmacy Week, she pursued her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also completed a Master’s in Pharmacy Practice under the mentorship of Professor Fred Eckel. Her early career focused on providing evidence-based pharmacotherapy services to patients and physicians, while influential mentors including Professor Wilson Erhun, Professor Fred Eckel, and department chair Steve Caiola helped shape her clinical expertise, leadership philosophy, and dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession. Throughout her career, she has held academic and leadership positions at institutions including Howard University, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Wake AHEC and UNC Hospitals. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Tofade is deeply committed to service, community engagement, and empowering future leaders. Albany Business Review recognized her among the Power 50 over 3 consecutive years. She was also named as a Higher Education Trailblazer by City and State, in 2026. She serves on several boards and organizations, including WMHT, St. Peter’s Health Partners, the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, WPO and Capitalize Albany, contributing her expertise in governance, healthcare, and education. As a member of Jubilee Christian Church, she volunteers through career coaching, mentorship, and supporting individuals through meaningful conversations and guidance. Dr. Tofade encourages women pursuing careers in higher education and leadership to remain grounded in purpose, build a strong network of mentors, and maintain balance through faith, family, and focus. Her legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to education, healthcare innovation, leadership development, global partnerships, building high performing teams and systems and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Toyin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, the unwavering support of my family, and the encouragement of those who have believed in me throughout my journey. My father was a consistent source of inspiration and a strong supporter, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and purpose. I am also grateful for the mentorship and guidance I have received from professors, colleagues, and leaders who have helped shape my personal and professional growth. Beyond individual achievements, I believe my success is rooted in my faith in God, commitment to serving others, building meaningful relationships, and remaining engaged with the communities I have the privilege to support.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from mentors who were willing to provide honest and candid guidance throughout my journey. My department chair, Steve Caiola, was especially influential in my early career by speaking truth, challenging me to think critically about my decisions, and reminding me to consider the importance of family when making career choices. I have also been fortunate to have many mentors who guided me toward clinical pharmacy and provided practical advice that helped shape my professional path. Their wisdom taught me the value of seeking guidance, staying open to feedback, and making decisions that align with both my career aspirations and personal values.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering higher education is to have a clear sense of purpose and understand what they are called to do. This field is complex and requires attention to detail, focus, collaboration, and the ability to build and lead strong teams. Be prepared to navigate challenges and recognize that there may be headwinds along the way, but do not let them deter you from your goals. I encourage women to surround themselves with a strong network of mentors, ideally six to eight individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable perspectives throughout their journey. Above all, stay grounded in your faith, family, and focus, while remaining committed to continuous growth, learning, and making a meaningful impact. This is where true fulfillment comes.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in higher education today are centered around navigating a rapidly changing landscape. The field no longer has the same level of stability it once had, requiring leaders and institutions to remain adaptable, innovative, and prepared to respond to evolving expectations and challenges. Managing competing priorities while maintaining academic excellence, financial sustainability, and student success requires strong leadership and collaborative teams. I believe these challenges also create opportunities to rethink how we serve students, strengthen partnerships, and build more resilient institutions that are prepared for the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, service, integrity, purpose, and community. My faith provides the foundation that guides my decisions, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact. I deeply value my family’s support and the role they play in keeping me grounded and focused on what truly matters. In my professional life, I am driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to serving others through education, mentorship, and leadership. I believe that meaningful success comes from building strong relationships, giving back to the community, and using my skills and experiences to create opportunities that positively influence the lives of others.
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