2023 News

Pharmacy faculty member wins Mungo Teaching Award

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough,” is the teaching philosophy of Alexander Gasparian, clinical assistant professor in the USC College of Pharmacy and recipient of the 2023 Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Pharmacy professor offers strategies for a healthier holiday season

Jennifer Clements, the director of pharmacy education for USC’s College of Pharmacy at the Greenville campus, urges those who are at risk to think ahead with strategies beyond checking your blood sugar levels and counting carbohydrates.

Searching for hidden connections

A new study from the USC College of Pharmacy uses the computing power of artificial intelligence to find new uses for and repurpose approved medications.

Students rely on alumni to learn about career options

Students say one of the most valuable ways they learn about career options is by talking with those who have gone before them. That is the purpose behind the annual Career Expo

Meet our Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year

When Jarrod Tippins applied to the University of South Carolina as an education major, a mentor convinced him that he should consider pharmacy as a future career.

Meet our Outstanding Friend of the College

Throughout her career, Debbie Tapley saw the significance of the Richland Memorial Hospital's affiliation with USC and the importance of expanding the pharmacy residency program.

Meet our Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

Alumnus Addison Livingston's interest in pharmacy sparked from conversations with his local pharmacists and shared discussions about animal medicine.

Student's quick thinking helped save a man's life

While on a recent rotation, Emily Rudisell decided to spend some downtime at a state park. Little did she know it would turn into one of the most memorable, yet harrowing experiences of her life.

Making a world of difference in global health

Medical trips offer an opportunity for pharmacy students, residents and fellows to learn more about providing care to underserved populations and the issues facing patients in remote locales.

Ph.D. alumnus fueled by mentorship

When College of Pharmacy alumnus Mike Eaddy looks back on what ignited his interest in the pharmacy profession, he recalls mentors who greatly influenced him.

Papajohn retires after two distinguished careers

Stan Papajohn retired from his first career in 1996 after 35 years as a community pharmacist. Now he is hanging up his white coat for the final time after 23 years as a clinical instructor in the College of Pharmacy's community lab.

After 49 years, Reeder retires

Reeder retired initially from teaching at USC in 2008. The pull of teaching was strong, however. In 2016 when asked to consider returning to his alma mater, he never hesitated.

Q&A with Sam Watson, '80

Gamecock Sam Watson has been a transformational leader over the course of his career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Learn more about his journey in our alumni Q&A.

Rural Residency Program Receives Grant Renewal

The Tandem Health-USC pharmacy residency program has been renewed for another three years through a grant from the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare.

Collaboration, leadership break down barriers

Future Gamecock pharmacists bond with their health science peers at the University of South Carolina and learn what’s ahead thanks to the Interprofessional Education program.

Demonstration proves a point about pharmacists in the field

The Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy for years has researched what the business model of assigning a pharmacist to a patient-centered medical home could look like.

College of Pharmacy, VA help support nation’s veterans

The VHA is the largest health care system in the country, providing care to more than 9 million military veterans. At the College of Pharmacy, that translates into valuable learning and research opportunities.

A community of firsts

First-generation college students come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives to campus. Student pharmacist Aman Singh offers a glimpse of his story.

Student Spotlight: America-Nicole Perez

Family is always top-of-mind for first-generation student America-Nicole Perez - both her immediate family in Summerville and large, extended family in Guatemala - and their support drives her to succeed.

Q&A with Sonia Everhart, '97

Sonia Shaw Everhart's consistent drive to learn and achieve has helped her rise to the top in the field of Critical Care Medicine. Learn more about her life and career in our latest alumni Q&A.

Gamecocks win the National Title

The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy brought home the title of national champions, winning the 20th annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition.

KPIC partners with NABP for Sterile Compounding Training

The Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center is expanding its sterile compounding program in partnership with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to offer training for state inspectors.

Back to Carolina - Alum Shares his Career Path

Alumnus Tim Slone, who earned his master's degree in pharmacology, shared his story with Ph.D. students and faculty as part of the college's "Back to Carolina" series.

Women play vital role in pharmacy leadership

Women continue to make amazing strides in pharmaceutical research and clinical practice across the Palmetto State and the U.S. From genetic conditions to infectious diseases, here are nine Gamecock women to watch.

Clinical Practice Teaching Award

As a child, Christina Cox dreamt of becoming a pediatrician — she still remembers writing pretend prescriptions for her daycare classmates. Now, she brings her pediatrics expertise to the classroom and to clinicals.

Health Watch: FDA updates oral decongestant recommendations

After an FDA advisory panel unanimously voted the decongestant phenylephrine as ineffective, Clinical Associate Professor Patricia H. Fabel explains and offers guidance ahead of cold and flu season.

Student pharmacists travel the globe for training

In recognition of World Pharmacists Day, we highlight students who have challenged themselves to hone their pharmacy skills on rotation in other countries.

Q&A with Tucker A. Patterson, '92

Tucker Patterson has learned to value adaptability throughout his impressive career in neurotoxicology research. Learn more about his life and career in our latest alumni Q&A.

USC Student Named AACP Aspiring Academic

Gamecock student pharmacist Peter Hiller, Class of 2025, has been named to the inaugural class of Aspiring Academics by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Introducing the 2023-24 Creators@COP

Creators@COP is a pathway for Pre-Pharmacy and Pharm.D. students with a love for social media to show the world the exciting things they experience as a student at South Carolina.

Class of 2026 Walker Leadership Scholars Named

The Walker Leadership Scholars program has selected its two newest scholars for the Class of 2026, Emily Frame and Sophia Knudsen.

Student pharmacists escape the Lahaina fire

USC fourth-year student pharmacists Natalie Moning and Kristina Benbow had arrived in the beautiful seaside town of Lahaina, Maui, just a week prior to the devastating fire.

Q&A with Michelle Stokes Cakley, '99

Michelle Stokes Cakley is a lifelong learner and committed to 'paying it forward' by mentoring future pharmacists along their journey. Learn more about her life and career in our latest alumni Q&A.

Gamecock Student Pharmacists to Compete for National Title

For the second year in a row, the USC College of Pharmacy team has earned a spot in the top three of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy National Community Pharmacists Association Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition.

AACP Research Funding Rankings Show Continued Growth for COP

The latest rankings in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Research Funding Rankings report shows that the University of South Carolina climbed another spot in total funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Class of 2027 Receives White Coats

The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy welcomed the Class of 2027 during the annual White Coat Ceremony on August 17, 2023, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

One degree, endless possibilities...

Pre-Pharmacy student Emma French shares her experience learning about the incredible breadth of pharmacy career paths in our latest Creators@COP blog post.

The Big Fat Greek Gamecock Family

Retired pharmacy instructor Stan Papajohn left a mark, not just on the College of Pharmacy, but on the University of South Carolina, with nine family members who have joined the Gamecock ranks.

Q&A with Sam Glenn ('20)

Growing up with pharmacist parents, Sam Glenn was well-versed in the traditional role of a pharmacist. It wasn't until a visit to campus that he learned about the different career pathways he could take. Learn more in our latest Q&A.

Greenville campus prepares to welcome new cohort

The number of students choosing to spend their third year at the College of Pharmacy's Greenville campus continues to grow, as the location offers a smaller class setting and team-based environment.

Gamecock faculty, student and alum receive SCPhA awards

During its June 2023 Annual Conference, the South Carolina Pharmacy Association presented awards to USC College of Pharmacy faculty, students and an alumna.

Students keep learning through the summer

Gamecock student pharmacists are keeping busy through the summer, continuing to learn and grow in their expertise, as they take part in various competitions meant to challenge their knowledge.

PEEP awards honor top preceptors

The Palmetto Experiential Education Partnership has announced its 2023 recipients of the PEEP Awards for their dedication and excellence as outstanding preceptors.

Cancer has touched my life in more ways than one...

Gamecock student pharmacist Haley Nicholas shares how she discovered her interest in oncology and desire to make a difference in our latest Creators@COP blog post.

Improving health outcomes through interdisciplinary research

When it comes to understanding the challenges related to pregnancy, birth and early childhood in our state, researchers from various disciplines at the University of South Carolina are delivering answers.

Q&A with Taylor Ward ('16)

A charming campus and sub-tropical climate drew alumna Taylor Ward from her hometown in New Hampshire to South Carolina to study pharmacy. Learn more about her life after graduation in our latest Q&A.

KPIC works to expand team-based care in South Carolina

The Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center was recently highlighted at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy conference for efforts to promote pharmacist-physician collaboration.

Students show creativity, determination in annual Business Plan Competition

The annual event held by the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center provides a learning opportunity for future entrepreneurs to create a plan for buying an existing independent community pharmacy or developing a new pharmacy.

Pharmacy students, residents shine at Discover USC

Twenty-seven College of Pharmacy students and postgraduate residents took part in Discover USC 2023, the university's annual showcase of research, scholarship, leadership and creative projects.

Three things I would tell my younger self...

Gamecock student pharmacist Emily Herring shares three pieces of pharmacy school advice that she would share with her younger self in our latest Creators@COP blog post.

College of Pharmacy celebrates graduating Class of 2023

The USC College of Pharmacy awarded 106 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, a Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, and 73 Bachelor of Science Pharmacy degrees to wrap up the Spring semester.

Graduates share life-changing moments

During her pharmacy rotation in Alaska, Chloe Watts worked for the Indian Health Service, serving the health care needs of residents of the small community of Ketchikan.

Spring 2023 College of Pharmacy Awards

The culmination of the Spring semester is an exciting moment for our students, faculty and staff. It is a time when we come together to celebrate the many successes of our Gamecock Pharmacy community.

Graduate Students Host STEM Fair

The USC College of Pharmacy Graduate Student Association recently hosted the Future STEM Heroes Fair to inspire young people to consider careers in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, engineering, physics, and more.

Announcing the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Awards

The College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce this year's alumni award winners, including our Alumni of the Year and two new awards -- Young Alumni and Friend of the College.

Zhu receives a third R01 Grant

In a rare accomplishment, Jun Zhu, clinical professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, has been awarded his third concurrent NIH research project grant.

Sarah Davis blazes trail for mothers pursuing Ph.D.'s

Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. candidate and NIH-funded researcher Sarah Davis hopes to serve as an inspiration to other graduate students considering parenthood.

Q&A with Amanda Capino ('14)

Amanda Capino found a 'home away from home' at South Carolina, combining her passions as a pharmacy student and member of the famed Carolina Band. Learn more about her career in our latest alumni Q&A.

COP students make an impression at APhA conference

The College of Pharmacy had a tremendous showing at this year's American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting and Exposition held in Phoenix, Arizona in late March.

COP student travels the globe to present her research

Ph.D. candidate Sarah Davis recently traveled to the 27th Scientific Conference for the Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology in New Delhi, India, where she was recognized for an outstanding oral presentation.

Research Retreat provides learning opportunities

The College of Pharmacy's Graduate Research program held its annual retreat in March, bringing together research students from the departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences and Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences.

Improving vaccination processes

Today’s pharmacists are key to fighting the spread of infectious disease. College of Pharmacy assistant professor and 2023 Breakthrough Star Tessa Hastings works to improve the delivery of immunizations through pharmacies.

Students excel through professional development opportunities

When students have the opportunity to attend a professional development conference where they network with peers and talk with pharmacy professionals about the industry, it is often an eye-opening experience.

A passion for policy

As CharLeigh Steverson, Class of 2024, wraps up her third year as a student pharmacist, she has a full resume of service and experience before she enters the pharmacy profession as a practitioner.

Alumna uses data to drive drug development

Alumna Sindoor Patel is now a clinical operations oncology post-doctoral fellow at Boehringer Ingelheim, focused on the strategic and operational aspects of clinical trials.

Greenville campus offers another learning opportunity for USC students

When the opportunity arose to join the USC College of Pharmacy's Greenville campus, Jennifer Clements saw it as a way to combine her passion for education and track record for practice and research.

Ph.D. alum finds his calling in industry

As the son of an independent pharmacy owner, Robert Mauch (1994, Pharm.D., Ph.D., pharmaceutical sciences), had a strong sense that pharmacy would be his career calling.

Early assurance pathway provides a unique route to USC Pharm.D.

The Gamecock Pharmacy Assurance pathway, launched in 2019, provides exceptional high school students with provisional early acceptance to the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Alumnae named among Top 50 Pharmacy Influencers

Two alumnae from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy have been named among the top influencers in pharmacy for 2022 by Pharmacy Podcast Network.

Researchers hit the ropes in grant-writing boot camp

Lorne Hofseth, associate dean of research for the College of Pharmacy, is doing his part to train the next group of pharmaceutical science investigators in the College of Pharmacy.

Transforming health care

Within the College of Pharmacy, the departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences and Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences are discovering not only new drugs, but new uses and improved methods for existing drugs.

Growing access to rural health care

When it comes to accessing health care in rural areas, pharmacists continue to be a growing resource, and the College of Pharmacy provides training to address the need with programs such as Paired 4 Reach.

Q&A with Lillian Prioleau-Hill ('93)

Alumna Lillian Prioleau-Hill discovered her knack for medication consultation while earning a nursing degree from USC. Learn how she pivoted to a career in pharmacy in our latest alumni Q&A.

Another Successful Rx Match Day

Gamecock pharmacy students and alumni matched with executive residencies, industry fellowships, clinical and community pharmacy positions across 16 states during this year's postgraduate Match Day.

Sharing her love of art

The USC College of Pharmacy has exceptional professors who are greatly invested in their careers and their students. The college also has professors who have unique talents outside of their profession.

Teng Named AACP New Investigator

College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor Chengwen Teng's research focuses on gathering data in the use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, marketed as Paxlovid, the first oral antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19.

Dean Cutler and KPIC Cofounder Honored by SCbio

University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy Dean Stephen J. Cutler was among the top honorees at the annual SCbio Life Sciences Conference held in Charleston.

Q&A with Uche Ndefo ('04)

Alumna Uche Anadu Ndefo remembers the moment in school it clicked for her that pharmacy touches the lives of real people. Learn how that has guided her career in our latest alumni Q&A.

KPIC hosts Pharmacy Ownership Dinner

As part of its ongoing mission to unite the study and practice of pharmacy with entrepreneurship and innovation, the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center held a Pharmacy innovation, Leadership and Ownership dinner for students.

College of Pharmacy hosts largest career expo to date

The college hosted its fifth annual expo in late January, giving first- through third-year students the chance to talk with 70 experts from all walks of life within the profession of pharmacy.

Phi Lambda Sigma holds Leadership Retreat

As part of their initiative to provide a platform for student leaders, the University of South Carolina chapter of PLS held its inaugural leadership retreat in late January.

Hofseth Named Associate Dean for Research

Dean Stephen J. Cutler has announced that Lorne Hofseth will now serve as associate dean for research for the College of Pharmacy, after having served as the interim associate dean for research since 2021.

Q&A with Ed Vess ('80)

Alumnus George Edward "Ed" Vess, Jr., has experienced a variety of pharmacy fields over the course of his career, ultimately landing at RedSail Technologies, a leading provider of pharmacy software solutions headquartered in Spartanburg, SC.

Pharmacy Students Recognized as Breakthrough Graduate Scholars

Two Ph.D. candidates from the College of Pharmacy have been named as Breakthrough Graduate Scholars by the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of South Carolina.

White Coat Donation Leads to Research Honors

The day student pharmacist Marcella Babatunde received her white coat as she began her studies at the USC College of Pharmacy is when she moved down the path toward pharmaceutical research.

Hastings Named Breakthrough Star

Pharmacy Assistant Professor Tessa Hastings has been named as a Breakthrough Star by the Office of the Vice President for Research at South Carolina for considerable contributions research and scholarly activity in her field.

Devoted to pursuing a cure for cancer

Sana Khalili received the opportunity to meet other researchers in her field when she was invited to present at the American Association for Cancer Research - Japanese Cancer Association Joint Conference, held December 2022 in Hawaii.