ETSU Names New Dean for Gatton College of Pharmacy

East Tennessee State University has named Dr. Debbie Byrd as the next dean of the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, marking a major leadership transition for one of the region’s key health education programs.

Byrd will begin her new role on July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Larry Calhoun, who is stepping down June 30 after serving as dean since the college opened in 2005.

The appointment is significant for Johnson City and the broader Appalachian Highlands because Gatton College of Pharmacy plays an important role in training pharmacists and supporting the region’s health care workforce. The college has long been tied to ETSU’s mission of serving rural and underserved communities, preparing graduates for work in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and other health care settings.

Leadership at the college also matters beyond campus. As health systems, local clinics, and pharmacies continue to face workforce challenges, programs like Gatton help build a pipeline of professionals who may go on to serve patients across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and surrounding Appalachian communities.

Calhoun’s retirement marks the end of a foundational chapter for the college. As its first dean, he helped guide the program from its early years into an established part of ETSU’s academic and health sciences presence.

Byrd’s appointment begins a new phase for the college as ETSU continues to focus on health education, workforce development, and community-centered care. For Johnson City, the transition is another reminder of the university’s role as both an educational anchor and a major contributor to the region’s health care future.