UWF interested in partnership with FAMU
Other schools have taken notice of plans for a proposed Florida A&M University pharmacy school in Crestview.
An official at the University of West Florida Emerald Coast campus has made contact with Florida A&M University officials to explore ways the two schools can partner to serve the area if the proposed school becomes a reality.
“I wanted to introduce myself since UWF has a presence in the area and let (FAMU) know UWF is looking to cooperate — not compete — and that it would be wonderful if there could be some ways to create some areas of coordination and cooperation,” said Dr. Jack Azzaretto, the Vice Provost at UWF Emerald Coast.
Azzaretto said he spoke with the dean of the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences about ways the schools can collaborate.
Azzaretto emphasized the discussions are in the opening stages. As a hypothetical example, he said the proposed FAMU facility could help UWF students seeking upper-level pharmacy courses. UWF could offer non-pharmacy electives to local FAMU students.
“We spoke about partnering and coordinating academic programs to serve the citizens of Crestview and the region,” Azzaretto said.
UWF also will have local presence in the new Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce building.
The school will maintain an office in the facility. Azzaretto said chamber Executive Director Wayne Harris also offered to provide space for classes when possible.
“A very generous offer,” Azzaretto said.
Main Street endorses FAMU request
The Main Street Crestview Association Board of Directors voted at their monthly meeting Thursday night to endorse the FAMU request to use the Alatex building as a pharmacy school.
Local engineer and former private business owner Marc Mason said more than $250,000 already has been spent on the building in the last seven years, and it could cost $4 million to renovate it.
The Main Street board voted unanimously to send the letter of endorsement to the Crestview City Council, and also to send a letter to FAMU President Dr. James Ammons urging a prompt reply to questions about the project sent by the council earlier this week.
Cal Zethmayr, WAAZ-WJSB, contributed to this report.
