Unable to hire enough faculty, Harding University in Searcy, Ark., delayed the planned opening this fall of its new college of pharmacy. The decision came as another Christian university — Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. — pumps millions of dollars into its own new pharmacy college.

But Harding officials said Lipscomb “was absolutely no factor” in its decision to move its program’s beginning date to fall 2008.

“Initially, when Harding began making plans for a pharmacy program, administrators chose to pursue a very accelerated track in seeking accreditation,” Harding spokesman David Crouch said. “In the spring, administrators decided to slow the process down to make sure all faculty members were hired at least six months in advance. ... We really have now chosen a more traditional path to accreditation.”

Roger Davis, dean of the Lipscomb College of Pharmacy, which also is scheduled to launch in fall 2008, said a national study last year predicted a shortfall of as many as 157,000 pharmacists by 2020.

“So, there is a desperate need for more pharmacists nationwide,” Davis said. “In addition, as pharmacy is an inherently service-oriented field, there is plenty of room for — and a strong need for — Christian pharmacists devoted to compassionate patient care.”

Harding has hired all but two or three of its needed 15 pharmacy faculty members and is interviewing other qualified candidates, Crouch said. All are members of Churches of Christ.

Lipscomb has “found the recruitment of faculty to be challenging but easier than anticipated,” Davis said.

Harding conducted a groundbreaking ceremony last month for a $7.7 million health sciences center that will house its pharmacy and physician assistant programs.

Weeks earlier, Lipscomb began a $10.1 million renovation of the A.M. Burton Building, which will house its pharmacy college.