From Oxford Rx to Alumni Leadership

White began her career at Kroger Pharmacy in Memphis before transitioning into independent pharmacy. Her path eventually took her to Jonesboro, Ark., where she worked relief shifts at several independent pharmacies and Walmarts across northeast Arkansas. After moving to Oxford 12 years ago, she spent six years in hospital pharmacy before opening Oxford Rx in 2020.

“One of the first things we noticed when moving back to Oxford was the lack of independent pharmacies compared to everywhere else we lived,” White said. “In late 2019, we decided to take the leap and opened Oxford Rx in 2020. I joined the alumni board about two years ago.”

The Pharmacy Alumni Chapter is the organization that represents all graduates of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. 

“It not only celebrates the achievements of our alumni but also helps connect them back to the school and its students in impactful ways,” said Savannah Dye, assistant director of pharmacy alumni affairs. “This continued engagement enriches our community and reminds us of the important role pharmacy plays in improving health and lives.”

“We are grateful for Mary John White’s leadership and the many ways she serves as a shining example of what it means to care for her community. As we celebrate Women Pharmacist Day, we’re proud to highlight her dedication, service, and impact both as a pharmacy leader and as our new Alumni President.” said Donna Strum, dean of the School of Pharmacy.

As president-elect of the alumni board, White hopes to expand that connection even further. She envisions expanding its reach, strengthening communication with both faculty and students and moving beyond simple updates to more active discussions about the future of pharmacy and alumni involvement.

Part of that growth, she believes, comes from making alumni more accessible to current students.

“One thing I would like to see is the school bringing in alumni, not just the ones with roles within the pharmacy school, to come in and talk about their actual work life—the good, the bad, and the ugly,” White said. “I feel like so many students who cycle through just my store really don’t know what they are getting into and don’t get an honest look into what their life will look like five, 10, even 20 years from now.”

Her advice for new graduates reflects the same practical, open-minded approach. She encourages them not to lock themselves into one path too early, but instead to explore different areas of pharmacy, gain as much experience as possible and remain flexible as their careers unfold.

White sees her term as an opportunity to combine her diverse experiences with the Alumni Board’s mission of connection and growth. By expanding engagement and ensuring alumni voices are heard, she hopes to help strengthen the bridge between the School of Pharmacy, its graduates, and the next generation of student pharmacists.