Matsumoto to lead DKICP as Dean

Dr. Rae Matsumoto has been named permanent dean of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, with the appointment effective November 16, 2023. She replaces Interim Dean Miriam Mobley Smith.

Matsumoto most recently was a professor of physiology and pharmacology at the University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA), a position she has held since 2022. Prior to that, she held various administrative and faculty positions, including dean and professor of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific from 2020-2022, dean and professor of the College of Pharmacy at Touro University California (Vallejo, CA) from 2014-2020, and associate dean for research and graduate programs and professor at West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) from 2007-2014.

She also has vast educational program development experience, including faculty mentoring, staff development, student success and career development, budgetary and fiscal management, founded numerous graduate and research training programs, and is a strong advocate for community outreach programs.

She is the lead author or co-author of over 100 publications, a member of national and international professional organizations, and inventor of multiple patents.

Matsumoto received her B.S. magna cum laude from Creighton University (Omaha, NE), and Sc.M and Ph.D. from Brown University (Providence, RI).

“I am excited to have Dr. Matsumoto join the UH Hilo leadership team,” says University of Hawai`i at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “She brings a wide variety of experience to the position and is prepared to lead the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy forward. I am grateful for all of the good work of Interim Dean Mobley Smith over the last year and a half to prepare the college for the new incoming leadership and a bright future.”