Doukas served at Temple’s School of Pharmacy for more than 60 years, including more than 30 years as dean.

Peter H. Doukas, PHR ’70, former dean of Temple University’s School of Pharmacy, passed away suddenly on Jan. 27. Doukas was a member of the Temple community for more than 60 years and will be remembered for his mentorship and for leading the School of Pharmacy through tremendous growth. His death comes as the school is celebrating its 125th anniversary. 

“Peter Doukas was deeply dedicated to the Temple community for more than six decades,” said David Boardman, interim provost of Temple University and dean of the Klein College of Media and Communication. “As dean, he helped transform the School of Pharmacy by advancing research, innovation and scholarship. And beyond his school, Peter was a passionate advocate for Temple University, someone others turned to for his support and counsel.” 

Doukas joined Temple in 1965 as a graduate assistant and graduated with his doctorate in medicinal chemistry in 1970, beginning a lifelong career in service to the university. He rose through the ranks from assistant professor to associate professor in 1974 and was named a full professor in 1979. Doukas was appointed acting dean of the School of Pharmacy in 1990. Three years later, he was named to the role permanently—a position he held for more than 30 years. He stepped down from the position in 2019. 

“We mourn the loss of Dr. Peter Doukas, whose more than 30 years as dean transformed the Temple University School of Pharmacy. Peter was an extraordinary leader and person, and his vision, dedication to students and commitment to research built a foundation that continues to benefit our school and university today,” said S. Suresh Madhavan, professor and dean at the School of Pharmacy. “His influence shaped our profession in many ways, and I am grateful for all that he accomplished. We will all miss Peter deeply: as a colleague, as a mentor and as a friend.” 

During his tenure as dean, Doukas led the School of Pharmacy through advances in academic programs, research and innovation, and played a key role in creating dozens of endowed funds and scholarships that continue to expand opportunities for students today. 

In 1990, he led the school in introducing the flexible post-BS PharmD program for pharmacy practitioners. The Drug Research Unit was also established in the same year to promote pharmaceutical research ventures between the School of Pharmacy and industry. 

Among Doukas’ most enduring contributions was developing a fully integrated academic drug discovery research enterprise. Launched in 2008 as the Drug Discovery Center, it represented a landmark moment for the School of Pharmacy. 

The program expanded in 2009 and was renamed the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research in recognition of a generous gift from Lonnie and Sharon Moulder, both Temple Pharmacy Class of 1980 alumni. The center became a multidisciplinary hub for advancing scientific discoveries by Temple faculty and scientists and was the first of its kind in the Greater Philadelphia region. Today, the center has 11 labs and has received more than $35 million in funding from grants and research contracts, published 180 publications, and filed more than 30 patents. 

Under Doukas’ leadership, the School of Pharmacy also extended its global reach with initiatives including the Guatemala Global Health Rotation pharmacy mission and the Temple Vietnam pharmacy mission, both established in 2011. The school’s global focus now includes training and partnerships with organizations in Belize, Ghana, Kenya and more. 

Doukas broadened academic programming through new residency training programs, including residencies in infectious disease, community, ambulatory care, internal medicine and critical care specialties. A steadfast advocate for access to education, Doukas’ legacy is also shaped by his commitment to strengthening opportunities for students, particularly those from first-generation backgrounds and underserved communities.  

Doukas served as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry Dan Canney’s thesis advisor and was his friend and mentor for more than 50 years. It was Doukas who inspired Canney to pursue a career in pharmacy education. 

“Behind Peter’s rigor was genuine compassion and kindness,” said Canney, professor and assistant dean of non-thesis graduate programs. “He noticed students who needed encouragement, guidance or simply someone to believe in them, and he gave that freely. For many of us, especially those from modest means, his faith in us opened doors we did not yet know how to open ourselves. Had it not been for Peter Doukas, I would not have gone on to get my PhD after earning my BS in pharmacy. I would never have known the rewards of being an educator and scientist.”   

A strong advocate for training the next generation of pharmacists, Doukas was awarded the Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching 1977 and the Temple School of Pharmacy American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Outstanding Teacher Award in 1990. In honor of Doukas’ years of service to the School of Pharmacy, the Temple University School of Pharmacy Alumni Association Board of Directors established the Peter Doukas Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2015, supporting students with financial need who are in good academic standing and residents of Pennsylvania or New York. 

“As a leader, Dr. Doukas combined vision with humanity,” said Canney. “Pete was an honorable man who led by example—never seeking attention, always focused on what would best serve students, the school and the broader community. He strengthened Temple’s School of Pharmacy not just through programs, facilities and endowments, but through a culture of care and responsibility. He understood that institutions matter because people matter, and every decision he made reflected that belief. His commitment to access, scholarships and educational opportunities remain his most enduring gifts.” 

Doukas is survived by his wife, Irene, and son, Michael.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 1:30 p.m. until his funeral service at 3:30 p.m. in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will be held privately. 

More information will be shared about a memorial service this spring at the School of Pharmacy to celebrate Doukas’ life and legacy.