UM Pharmacy Alumnus, Former Football Player Inducted Into MAIS Hall of Fame

Tupelo native and 1997 Doctor of Pharmacy graduate Todd Sandroni was recently inducted into the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Hall of Fame. The honor adds to his previous selection for the Ole Miss Athletics M-Club Hall of Fame in 2006.

“It’s incredibly humbling, and I’m deeply honored,” Sandroni said. “The MAIS Hall of Fame and the M-Club Hall of Fame recognitions represent a lot of work – not just my own, but the dedication of my coaches, teammates and mentors who poured into me along the way.”

To Sandroni, his most recent award serves as a reminder of the support system that shaped his career and character.

“More than anything, this honor reminds me how blessed I’ve been to be surrounded by great people – from supportive coaches and teammates to a community that always encouraged me,” he said. “Most importantly, I was fortunate to have a loving family behind me every step of the way.”

Before launching a career in pharmacy, he played free safety for the Rebels, a role that taught him valuable life skills.

“Being a student-athlete shaped me more than I realized at the time,” Sandroni said. “Balancing football and pharmacy school required a lot of discipline. It taught me how to manage time, handle pressure and stay focused on my goals.

“You learn that hard work doesn’t always show results right away, but consistency pays off.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the university in 1992, followed by his Pharm.D. in 1997. His pathway into the profession was influenced by his brother Brad, an Ole Miss pharmacy graduate.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, he began his career as a staff pharmacist at Walmart, later becoming assistant manager. Upon earning his Pharm.D., he stepped into a position that would go on to define his professional life – director of the Cardiovascular Risk Management Clinic with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi. He has now led the clinic for 28 years.

He credits his pharmacy education with preparing him for nearly three decades of specialized clinical work.

“Ole Miss gave me the foundation for everything I’ve been able to accomplish in my career,” Sandroni said. “The academic rigor, access to an awesome facility and the emphasis on clinical application prepared me to not only understand medications but use that knowledge to truly change patients’ lives.”

“Ole Miss taught me how to think critically, collaborate effectively and use my time wisely – skills that have been invaluable in developing and managing a cardiovascular risk management program for over two decades,” he continued.

Even after decades of professional service, Sandroni’s Ole Miss ties remain strong.

“Once a Rebel, always a Rebel” is Sandroni’s motto. He remains involved with the M-Club and Alumni Association and stays in touch with former teammates.

Returning to campus, especially on game days, continues to be meaningful.

“There’s just something special about a fall Saturday in Oxford, tailgating in the Grove with my wife and kids in the same place where my parents tailgated when I played, seeing old friends and feeling that buzz of excitement before kickoff,” Sandroni said.

“Stepping back into the stadium brings back so many great memories and a deep sense of pride in where it all started.”