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When visitors step into the office of John C. Livesey, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, they are greeted with a warm smile and the offer of a cup of coffee. Books and papers fill the shelves, a testament to his 40 years in academia, 31 of them spent at Pacific. Magnets from around the world hint at global adventures, while close-up photos of nature reflect his deep appreciation for detail. Dr. Livesey has always been drawn to the micro. A fascination for how living organisms work and a desire to understand how chemicals can alter the processes of life led him to the field of physiology and pharmacology.

鈥淥ne of my proudest accomplishments is the large number of people who I鈥檝e help understand physiology and pharmacology,鈥� said Dr. Livesey. 鈥淚 still get anxious about going into the classroom, but it is very rewarding when you see the light bulb go on; there鈥檚 just something magical about that.鈥�

He prefers one-on-one interactions and the process of discovery that takes place in a research lab.

鈥淚n the laboratory setting we鈥檙e both learning together,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot only are we learning about the outcome of the experiment, but we鈥檙e also learning about how to conduct the experiment. Students may think I have a better ability to predict the outcome, but I don鈥檛. I don鈥檛 know what will happen. Variables arise that influence the process that are uncontrolled, and they can either make or break an experiment.鈥�

Throughout his career he has had one overarching goal: to spark curiosity. Over the decades he has served as the faculty advisor to multiple student groups, including mentoring future pharmacists through Pacific鈥檚 Pre-Pharmacy Society. Students speak highly of how he encouraged them to pursue their goals.

鈥淭he quality of mentorship I have received from Dr. Livesey is second-to-none. His dedication to science and his students is incredible and I would not be where I am without his support. I believe he leaves behind an incredible legacy at the university,鈥� said Zubair Amin 鈥�18, PharmD.

Dr. Livesey鈥檚 contributions behind-the-scenes have profoundly impacted the school and the university. A tireless champion of faculty governance, he has strengthened Pacific鈥檚 vibrant academic community through his leadership and service. He served on numerous committees and was chair of the Academic Council for the 2018-2019 academic year. He also played a role in four significant doctor of pharmacy program curriculum transformations, as well as multiple successful re-accreditation reviews, including the full 8-year accreditation that was awarded in 2024. In recognition of his many contributions, he was awarded the Order of Pacific, the university鈥檚 highest honor, and emeritus status.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a wonderful 31 years with just superlative colleagues, collegial staff and inquisitive students鈥攖he ones who push you and ask, 鈥榃hy?鈥� Many times, I don't know the answer to the 鈥榳hy鈥� question, but that just spurs me to ask 鈥榳hy鈥� myself,鈥� he said.

When not absorbed in an experiment in his lab, he enjoys exploring local coffee shops, traveling with his wife and reading Dr. Suess to his grandson.