Established almost 100 years ago in 1927, the McWhorter School of Pharmacy has long been a source of pride for Samford University. Undergraduate students can enroll in the two-year pre-pharmacy path and then apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy program during their sophomore year. This year, the School of Pharmacy is acknowledging a historic achievement as it celebrates its most diverse class in history.
Racial minority groups are represented in 44 percent of the School of Pharmacy Class of 2025. Dean and Professor of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy Michael Crouch shared that he is very hopeful about this class and is excited to witness its journey to earning their Pharm.D.
“A representative class benefits all students by including broader perspectives and experiences, making them more empathetic, open-minded, and ready for the inclusive world where they will practice,” Crouch said.
Not only is it the most diverse class, but it is also the first class to be involved in the “Practice and Team Ready” curriculum. Crouch explained what this new curriculum consists of.
“These are the first students enrolled in our novel “Practice and Team Ready” curriculum, which distinctively engages students in an active learning environment empowering them to be strong critical thinkers,” Crouch said.
Crouch said he believes that it is important to recognize and celebrate historical advancements like these.
“The most diverse class in school history is a testament to the faculty’s resolve to be a community that passionately recruits diverse, highly qualified, and motivated learners,” Crouch said.
The Class of 2025 will be recognized and welcomed into the School of Pharmacy program at the White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 1. Vanessa Gray, the first African American woman to graduate from the program with her Pharm.D., will be the featured speaker. The ceremony will be held at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 2 p.m. There will also be an online livestream option for those interested.
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