Jinghe Mao (left), dean of the Tougaloo College Division of Natural Science; Richard McGinnis, chemistry professor at Tougaloo College; Kris Harrell, associate dean of academic affairs for the UM School of Pharmacy; and pharmacy Dean David D. Allen meet to finalize the preferred admission program agreement between the two institutions. Submitted photo
OXFORD, Miss. – In an effort to expand access to pharmacy education within the state, the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy has completed its third admission agreement in a year with a Mississippi college.
Tougaloo College and the pharmacy school have partnered in a preferred admission program that offers admission for Tougaloo freshmen who excel in pre-pharmacy classes and demonstrate a passion for service activities.
This initiative of the School of Pharmacy is meant to encourage more students to apply to pharmacy school who may prefer to complete pre-pharmacy courses at institutions that are closer to home or that offer more affordable tuition.
“The preferred admission program will allow us to reach some of the best and brightest future pharmacists enrolled in Mississippi’s other college and university partners,” said Kris Harrell, the pharmacy school’s associate dean for academic affairs. “It’s a win-win-win for the students, the partner institutions and the School of Pharmacy.”
The preferred admission program contributes to the university’s mission of making a positive impact on the lives of Mississippians, Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter said.
“As Mississippi’s flagship institution, UM’s top priority is to use its resources to transform lives and communities,” Vitter said. “The School of Pharmacy’s preferred admission program simultaneously increases educational opportunities across the state and contributes to the future of health care in Mississippi and beyond.”
Students admitted via the program will assume a traditional graduation track to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Alcorn State University and Jackson State University also are part of the program.
Beverly Wade Hogan, president of Tougaloo College, said she is pleased that her institution is participating in the program.
“Traditionally, a significant percentage of our graduates enter graduate and professional schools to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other fields of health care immediately after receiving their undergraduate degrees,” Hogan said. “This is an opportunity for more of our graduates who are interested in pharmacy to study and stay in Mississippi, retaining the talents and skills so critically important to strengthening Mississippi and positioning it for heightened competitiveness.”
David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy, also stressed the benefits the program could have on patients.
“The goal of this partnership is to educate the very best future pharmacists who will contribute to and innovate within health care for the benefit of their patients,” Allen said. “Providing more opportunities for students interested in pharmacy can positively impact our profession for years to come.”
For more information on the preferred admission program, contact Harrell at kharrell@olemiss.edu.