Pharmacy Preview Day Promotes Educational, Professional Opportunities

Dean Donna Strum opened the program, welcoming prospective students and offering an overview of the degree program. Following the dean’s address, school ambassadors presented a “Day in the Life” panel discussion featuring current pharmacy students. Participants offered real-life experiences about classes, professional opportunities and the versatility of the degree.

 “I enjoyed asking and listening to questions of Pharmacy students because it gave me a better understanding of what I need to do,” said Abby Taylor of Coldwater, Mississippi. “I learned more about the different types of pharmacy career paths and how having a degree with pharmacy can open up so many doors of different jobs for you.”

 Students learned about the school’s admission process and educational requirements, and discussed career opportunities with Tyler Vest, research associate professor in the Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences. There was also tour of a pharmacy simulation hub, led by John Rimoldi, professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology in Biomolecular Sciences.

“My favorite part was getting to observe the pharmacogenetics class,” said Mylee Stacks of Booneville, Mississippi.” It gave me a better idea of what one of my future classes would be like and what I can expect from the learning experience.”

Exploring the School of Pharmacy and listening to student testimonies appealed to Sloan Ebach of Germantown, Tennessee.

“My biggest takeaway was to apply to the Early Entry Pharmacy program. Being in a more structured pathway from the start would be a fantastic opportunity for me,” Ebach said. “It was really refreshing to hear things about the program directly from the students, and being around the same group of people for years sounds fantastic to me. It made me super excited for actual pharmacy classes.”

The School of Pharmacy has a long history of hosting preview days, said Lindsey Cooper, director of admissions. The sessions continue to grow in popularity and highlight the value of the program.

“These events provide an opportunity for high school and transfer students to explore what pharmacy looks like beyond the classroom,” Cooper said. “Through hands-on experiences and interactions with pharmacy faculty and students, we hope to spark interest in pharmacy and help students envision how they can make a meaningful impact through the profession.”