This research aimed to determine the key attributes or performance factors that define a "star" faculty member in the field of academic pharmacy. Additionally, it sought to explore how faculty members' perceptions of these factors vary across different disciplines, academic ranks, years of experience, types of institutions, and supervisory roles. An online survey was distributed to a sample of 3,378 members from the 2018 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) mailing lists. The performance factors were drawn from literature that discusses academic roles and behaviors. To increase response rates, reminder emails were sent. The survey data were analyzed using frequency distributions and the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test. A total of 463 faculty members responded. Key traits that were seen as most indicative of a "star" faculty member included providing high-quality teaching (rather than focusing on quantity), publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and maintaining positive collegial relationships. Perceptions of what qualifies as a star varied primarily based on the type of institution and between those in pharmacy practice versus other academic fields. Faculty from private institutions reported that their deans and department heads were less likely to recognize or retain star faculty members. However, responses remained largely consistent across those with and without supervisory roles. The study highlighted that qualities such as collegiality, exceptional teaching, and scholarly productivity are crucial for defining star faculty members in academic pharmacy. As such, academic pharmacy institutions, particularly those in the private sector, should make a concerted effort to acknowledge and retain faculty who exhibit these star qualities.
