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School of Pharmacy Students, Professors, Staff Recognized During Virtual Awards Ceremony

“There’s no question that we are living, learning and working in unprecedented times right now,” said Dr. Kurt Wargo, dean of the PC School of Pharmacy.

Wargo addressed the students, faculty and staff in a video recording that introduced the School’s tenth annual awards ceremony. The event is typically held near the end of each Spring semester in Belk Auditorium.

This year’s awards ceremony was held virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“While this year’s ceremony is obviously quite different than in years past,” Wargo continued, “we still believe, probably now more than ever, it is important to honor those who deserve it the most.

“We take this opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our students and their leadership skills, academic excellence, scholarly accomplishments, and service to the school and community. We also recognize our faculty and staff contributions to the educational program and our community this past year.”

Teacher of the Year Award

Dr. Xin Chen, assistant professor of pharmaceutical and administrative sciences, received the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year Award. This award is given to an outstanding teacher on the faculty of the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy each year. Students are invited to nominate a deserving faculty member each spring.

The winner of the Teacher of the Year Award receives a plaque and paid travel expenses to this year’s American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy meeting in Chicago, Illinois to be recognized at a luncheon for Teachers of the Year from across the country.

Student Awards and Recognitions

Outstanding Students 

The following students were recognized for their outstanding service, leadership, research and professionalism:

  • Madeleine Tilley received the 2019-2020 Outstanding Student Service Award.
  • Martin Gordon received the 2019-2020 Outstanding Student Leadership Award.
  • Jessica Yarbrough received the 2019-2020 Outstanding Student Research Award.
  • Ty Reales received the 2019-2020 Outstanding Student Professionalism Award.

Student Organization Awards

The following students were recognized for serving as president of their respective pharmacy organizations for the 2019-2020 academic year:

  • Luke Jones, president, Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International
  • Katelyn Long, president, College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
  • Ty Reales, president, Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group
  • Marlana Roberts, president, Student National Pharmaceutical Association
  • Michael Shaw, president, The Rho Chi Society
  • Lucie Sikes, president, Academy of Student Pharmacists – APhA
  • Madeleine Tilley, president, Student Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
  • Emily Vandiver, president, Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity
  • Rebecca Wise, president, National Community Pharmacists Association
  • Jessica Yarbrough, president, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society

Many pharmacy student organizations also recognize a member that has gone above and beyond throughout the school year by presenting them with a Member of the Year Award.

Heather Stephens received the 2019-2020 Academy of Student Pharmacists of the American Pharmacists Association Member of the Year award.

Brooke Haynie was named the 2019-2020 Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International Member of the Year.

Stephanie Johnson received the 2019-2020 College of Neurologic and Psychiatric Pharmacists Member of the Year.

Priyanka Patel received the 2019-2020 Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity Member of the Year award.

Marlana Roberts received the 2019-2020 Student National Pharmaceutical Association Member of the Year award.

Michal Ann Robinson received the 2019-2020 Student Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy Member of the Year award.

Roma Patel received the 2019-2020 Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group Member of the Year Award.

Pharmacy Student Governance Awards

The following students were recognized for serving as president of their respective classes for the 2019-2020 academic year:

  • Sandrah-Ann Almond, president, Class of 2021
  • Craig Evans, president, Class of 2020
  • Martin Gordon, president, Pharmacy Student Governance Association
  • Nathean Scott, president, Class of 2022
  • Adam Willie, president, Class of 2023
  • Rebecca Wise, president, National Community Pharmacists Association
  • Jessica Yarbrough, president, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society

Sandrah-Ann Almond was the recipient of the 2019-2020 Pharmacy Student Governance Association Member of the Year Award.

Special Recognitions for Students

Brooke Lucas was recognized for service as chair of the Pharmacy Honor Council. As chair, Lucas provided significant leadership and service to the School and classmates.

Brandon Browning was recognized with Pharmacy Student Ambassadors Extra Mile Award. Pharmacy Student Ambassadors are a volunteer organization of students that serve as ambassadors in public relations with prospective students and their families, alumni, preceptors, and members of the community. The Director of Admissions and Pharmacy Student Ambassador Coordinator select a student ambassador who went  above and beyond in serving throughout the year.

Scholarship Recipients

Shelby Powell, Amy Wortkoetter and Anna Wyatt are the 2019-2020 recipients of the CVS Health Foundation Pharmacy Scholarships. The scholarship is awarded to an exemplary student who has an excellent academic record, is interested in pursuing a career in community pharmacy, and has volunteered with an organization that supports underserved populations..

DeVon Suber is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Dean’s Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding incoming pharmacy student or students who are selected by the Dean as an exceptional incoming student(s).  The 2019-2020 recipients of the Dean’s Scholarship are Katherine McLaurin, Jennifer Porter and Angie Weeks.

Lori Smith is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Mimi Sadik Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a pharmacy student who is from South Carolina, enrolled in a professional program and has a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Sarah Lankford is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Mutual Drug Pharmacy Student Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an exemplary student who has exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and has indicated a career interest in independent pharmacy or pharmacy ownership.

Raven Holbrooks is the 2019-2020 recipient of the SCPhA Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a pharmacy student who is a South Carolina resident and has completed at least two years of pharmacy school.

Roma Patel is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Walgreens Diversity Scholarship. The Walgreens gift strategy is three-fold: to increase the availability of education assistance for underrepresented students enrolled in pharmacy programs; to support the development of pipeline and recruitment programs targeting minority students; and to support awareness initiatives and programs that focus on building a diverse, supportive and inclusive culture.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Alumnus Award

Because of her significant contributions to society, and her accomplishments, affiliations, and career have honored the legacy of excellence at PCSP, Dr. Meissa O’Dell ’14 is the inaugural recipient of the Alumnus Award. Dr. O’Dell will have the honor of addressing the graduating class at commencement.

The true measure of an academic institution’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni. A vast number of our alumni have gained unique distinction through success in their profession, service to society and support to our pharmacy program. Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy established the Alumnus Award this year to honor outstanding former students and to celebrate their achievements.

Student Advocate of the Year Award

Rebecca Laura received the 2019-2020 Student Advocate of the Year Award. The award honors a staff member of the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy who has gone above and beyond “the call of duty” in his or her job responsibilities. Staff are nominated by students during the spring semester.

While We Live, We Serve – Staff Award

Cindy Bodie received the 2019-2020 While We Live, We Serve – Staff Award. The award is presented annually to a staff member who goes above and beyond to serve the needs of PCSP and the community while embracing our values of service, integrity and teamwork. This staff member shows dedication to helping fellow staff, faculty and students, as well as modeling a culture of service for the community.

While We Live, We Serve – Faculty Award

Nancy Taylor received the 2019-2020 While We Live, We Serve – Faculty Award. The award is presented annually to a faculty member who goes above and beyond to serve the needs of PCSP, the profession of pharmacy and the community, while embracing our values of service, integrity and teamwork. This faculty member should show dedication to helping fellow faculty, staff and students, as well as modeling a culture of service for the community.

Exemplary Service to Admissions Faculty Award

Dr. Eileen Ward received the Exemplary Service to Admissions Faculty Award in recognition of her continued and dedicated service. Each year, the Office of Professional and Student Affairs recognizes a faculty member who has gone above and beyond with an Exemplary Service to Admissions Faculty Award.

Faculty Researcher of the Year

Dr. Kayce Shealy received the 2019-2020 PCSP Faculty Researcher of the Year Award. The award recognizes the efforts of individuals who are committed to advancing science and their areas of expertise. These are individuals who inspire and promote excellence within PC, the pharmacy community, and the global scientific community.

Preceptor Awards

Preceptor of the Year Award

Dr. Kevin Kunkle received the 2020 Preceptor of the Year Award. The award recognizes a preceptor’s commitment to excellence and outstanding contributions to the educational development of future pharmacists at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy.

Faculty Preceptor of the Year Award

Dr. Blair Sarbacker received the 2020 Faculty Preceptor of the Year Award. The award recognizes a faculty member’s commitment to excellence in precepting.

We want to hear from you

Want to learn more about the PC School of Pharmacy? Please contact the Director of Admissions at 864-938-3913 or email us.

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