UNC president Erskine Bowles has rejected UNCG’s proposed plan for a school of pharmacy, a move the N&R denounced as “short-sighted.”

I’m not opposed to the pharmacy school itself, although UNC officials admit —surprise—–that funding is problematic. What always makes me wary is when the Greensboro Partnership guys tout such projects as necessary for economic development, which is no doubt the reason why their media partner is so outraged at Bowles’ decision.

Also take note of the comment beneath the N&R article from an area pharmacist.

As a pharmacist in the area and recent graduate of pharmacy school, I see development of a pharmacy school at UNCG a complete waste of funds and resources. For the last 10 years or so, there has been a SEVERE Pharmacist shortage in NC but as of 2009 graduating class, this shortage is rapidly disappearing. I had folks in my graduating class who could not find jobs. In the greenville area alone, one pharmacy chain alone has received 164 applications for 2 positions this Spring. It is completely unnecessary and unwarranted. I really hope that my tax dollars aren’t wasted on supporting this unnecessary program.