BY SARAH MURPHY

Dr. Laura Fox, professor of pharmaceutics and director of assessment at the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy (PCSP), was recently awarded two innovation awards from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Dr. Laura Fox

Fox was named the 2023 recipient of the Innovation in Teaching Award for her work titled, “Learning Logs: A Tool for Training Students to Assess and Regulate Their Own Learning.” She also received the Pharmaceutics Section Innovation in Teaching Excellence Award for the same innovation. These prestigious national awards recognize innovative teaching, learning strategies, and assessment methods, providing an opportunity to engage faculty in a process of documenting their scholarly approach to teaching and learning.

“I want my students to have the best learning experience possible, so I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my teaching,” said Fox. “Being recognized for one of my innovations is extremely rewarding.”

Fox created her Learning Logs when she noticed some students struggling with their own learning, unable to clearly determine whether they understood the material or needed more help.

“The logs are self-assessment tools, helping students understand whether they are ‘confident,’ ‘almost there,’ or ‘need improvement’ on the learning material,” said Fox. Depending on their personal assessment, students can then choose from a selection of appropriate learning activities to boost their improvement. “These logs teach students how to learn; a skill that can be used not only in my course, but throughout the rest of their lives.”

In July, Fox will travel to the AACP Annual Meeting to present her innovation.

Dean of the PC School of Pharmacy Dr. Giuseppe Gumina said these national recognitions are exceptional accomplishments.

“Dr. Fox joins the distinguished company of the very top pharmacy educators in the nation,” he said. “Notably, this is the first and only year in the history of the award — dating back to 2010 — where only one individual was selected to receive the AACP Innovation in Teaching Award. Also receiving the Pharmaceutics Section Innovation in Teaching Award in the same year is simply unheard of. One cannot overstate the prestige of such recognitions.”

Accomplishments such as these attest to the high-quality faculty at PCSP, said Dr. Kayce Shealy, Pharm.D., associate dean for academic affairs.

“Dr. Fox is a student-centered professor who demonstrates a growth mindset,” Shealy said. “Her ability to adapt her teaching to meet the needs of students provides a great model for other faculty. Service and innovation are truly embodied in everything we do at PC, especially within the School of Pharmacy.”

“Dr. Fox exemplifies the best qualities expected from a senior academician,” said Gumina. “She is an exceptional teacher and scholar and is passionately committed to our school’s mission.  An accomplished professor, she never rests on her laurels. She constantly introduces innovation in the classroom and is always abreast of the latest trends in education. She is truly a role model for any faculty aspiring to succeed in all academic areas.”

Visit the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy website for information about program offerings, admission requirements, and more.