The end of another school year brings with it much joy and celebration as students, faculty and staff are recognized for their hard work throughout the year. Join us in acknowledging each of these outstanding student pharmacists, faculty and staff members for their dedication and achievement.
Pharm.D. Class of 2026
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P4 Awards Luncheon, May 5, 2026.
APhA-ASP Senior Recognition Certificate
Presented to Grace C. Thompson, who participated and made the greatest contribution to the USC APhA-ASP chapter, which provided a more fulfilling, productive, and enjoyable learning experience for members. Sponsored by American Pharmacists Association.
Community Service Award
Presented to Dania A. Asmar, who made significant contributions through community service activities as a pharmacy student.
Deans Award
Presented to Arran M. Amick and Evie C. Floyd, who demonstrated excellence in pharmacy practice.
Excellence in Clinical Communication Award
Presented to Madison E. Burke and Mackenzie N. Jackson, who demonstrated superior verbal and written communication skills.
Integrative Medicine Award
Presented to Brandi D. Smith, who demonstrated promise in improving patient care through integrative medicine.
Interprofessional Award
Presented to Ahmed M. Ibrahim, who participated in and made significant contributions to interprofessional initiatives.
Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence
Presented to Abigail E. Barker, Sydney A. Chason and Logan D. Miller, for outstanding scholastic achievement in pharmacy studies. Sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc.
Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award
Presented to Sophia L. Knudsen and Grace C. Thompson, who demonstrated outstanding scholastic qualities and received the highest GPA.
Outstanding Student Leadership Award
Presented to Emily R. Frame and Haley B. Nicholas, who demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities throughout their time at the College of Pharmacy. Sponsored by Phi Lambda Sigma.
Professionalism Award
Presented to Anne M. Krompecher, Toni T. Pratt and Nicholas G. Shannon, who demonstrated exemplary professional behavior, integrity, compassion and respect while representing the College of Pharmacy.
VIATRIS™ Excellence in Pharmacy Award
Presented to Isabella B. Steely, who demonstrated high professional motivation with proficiency in drug information services. Sponsored by VIATRIS™.
Graduate Students
Presented at the College of Pharmacy Graduate Research Symposium, March 10, 2026.
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year
Abby Davies
James Plaxco Jr. Scholarship Award
Elizaveta Korunova
Charles Yandell Award
Natalie Grantham
Daniel Li-Chang Wang Scholarship Award
Ashita Bhan
Pharm.D. Students
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P3 Spring Banquet, April 24, 2026.
Student Organization Service Award
Presented to the Pediatric Pharmacy Association at USC for the exceptional voluntary contributions that student members of this organization made within the community.
Kappa Epsilon Service Award
Presented to Karlie Skinner, Class of 2027, who demonstrated exemplary service within a variety of community outreach activities. Sponsored by the USC KE Chapter.
Phi Lambda Sigma "JAM UP" Award
Presented to Hunter Funderburk, Class of 2027, and Chloe West, Class of 2028, who exemplified what it means to lead regardless of leadership titles. Sponsored by the USC PLS Chapter.
Theresa Smith Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Student of the Year Award
Presented to Surya Swaminathan, Class of 2029, who achieved the highest GPA in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry.
Robert Beamer Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement in Medicinal Chemistry
Presented to Piper D. Wood, Class of 2028, who achieved the highest GPA in Medicinal Chemistry.
Faculty, Staff and Mentors
Presented at the College of Pharmacy P3 Spring Banquet, April 24, 2026.
Teacher of the Year (P1)
Presented to Raeann Carrier, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P1 class.
Teacher of the Year (P2)
Presented to Brie Dunn, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P2 class.
Teacher of the Year (P3)
Presented to Jennifer Clements, who excelled in teaching, established rapport with the students and modeled professional characteristics as chosen by this year’s P3 class.
Ms. Diane Wise Award
Presented to LaShaunda Chavis-Rutledge for her dedication and actions that exceed expectations to allow for student success, as identified by the student body.
Outstanding Mentor Award
Presented to Jennifer Clements, USC College of Pharmacy, and Jenna Cox, '12, Prisma Health, who served as role models and advisors, contributing significantly to the professional development of students outside of the classroom environment through mentoring activities.
Presented at the College of Pharmacy Faculty & Staff Awards Celebration, May 11, 2026.
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to Celeste Caulder and Angela Whitlock for extraordinary efforts to advance the education, mentoring and career development of our students, or other service contributions that enhance the reputation and overall mission of the college.
Emerging Researcher Award
Presented to Chao Cai for significant and outstanding contributions to the research mission of the college as a junior faculty member.
Established Researcher Award
Presented to Campbell McInnes for demonstrating excellence in their field of expertise while making an outstanding contribution to the research mission of the college.
Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation Award
Presented to Scott Sutton for engagement in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation above and beyond job description.
All awards are sponsored by the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy unless otherwise denoted.