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Several University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy alumni were recognized for their professional excellence at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association's July 2026 conference, receiving some of the organization's highest honors.

Bowl of Hygeia

^{Sponsored By National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and the American Pharmacists Association}  

Jennifer Baker, a 2002 graduate and the college's director of experiential programs, received the Bowl of Hygeia, a national award honoring pharmacists for outstanding community service. Baker was also named among SCPhA's inaugural class of Fellows.

"I am so honored to receive the Bowl of Hygeia and also be recognized as one of the inaugural SCPhA Fellows," Baker says. "It is humbling to stand alongside some of the true greats of our profession." 

Baker, who completed an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotation with SCPhA as a student, later went on to serve as the organization’s director of professional affairs before joining the USC COP faculty in 2012.

"People and organizations are most successful when others invest in them," she says. "I believe wholeheartedly that we must give back to the profession so that future generations achieve greatness."
 

South Carolina Pharmacist of the Year

^{Sponsored by the South Carolina Pharmacy Association}

Ranarda Jones, a 2003 graduate, was recognized as South Carolina Pharmacist of the Year. 

"For my peers to recognize the work I do to preserve and progress the profession of pharmacy and make it a better place for the people of South Carolina is very rewarding,” Jones says, adding the honor motivates her to keep pushing the profession forward.
 

Ralph Wilkie Distinguished Lifetime Service Award

^{Sponsored by the South Carolina Pharmacy Association}

Alumna Cheryl Anderson McLaughlin, ‘81, received the Ralph Wilkie Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, which is presented to a SCPhA member of 25 years or more in recognition of exceptional commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the profession and the SC Pharmacy Association throughout the awardees’ career.
 

Gamecock Pharmacy Excellence

SCPhA named its inaugural class of Fellows, which includes Baker along with fellow alumni Lynn Connelly, ‘78, Ken Couch, ‘69, Gene Reeder, B.S. ‘73, M.S. ‘77, Ph.D. ‘83 and Mike Ross, 76.

The following USC College of Pharmacy alumni and faculty members were welcomed to the 2026–2027 SCPhA Board of Directors: 

• Julie Sease, ‘03, President-elect
• Bryan Amick, ’05, Treasurer
• Tyler Goegeline, ’23, Midlands Region Director
• William Wynn, ’99, Speaker-elect, House of Delegates
• Jordan Ballou, Director-at-large

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Topics: Alumni, Pharm.D. Program