Welcome to the School of Pharmacy’s News & Media Center
Dean’s Message
Updates from Dean David D. Allen during COVID-19
Message from Dean David D. Allen about national events
Recent News
September 2020
Donors Help Fulfill Student Pharmacists’ Dream
September 25, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — University of Mississippi student pharmacist Zoe Thaw decided to study pharmacy after seeing the vital work performed by pharmacists in her hometown of Brandon.
The first-year professional student fell in love with the profession as she interacted with the practitioners and witnessed the difference they made in patients’ lives.
Read More: “Donors Help Fulfill Student Pharmacists’ Dream”
Faculty Feature: Jing Li
September 24, 2020
Jing Li joined the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry in July. He comes to the school from the University of Chicago, where he spent five years as a postdoctoral research associate.
Li brings an extensive background based in biomolecular science and academia to the school, which he hopes to pass on to his students. In addition to his work with the University of Chicago, Li also received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2014.
Read More: “Faculty Feature: Jing Li”
UM Researchers Working on Nasal Spray COVID-19 Treatment
September 16, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — A team of researchers, including faculty from the University of Mississippi schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, are developing a treatment that could be effective at preventing COVID-19. The good news is that it’s something that you can easily carry in your bag.
The treatment would take the form of a nasal spray that could be prescribed by a doctor and self-administered. A daily dose of this spray could make those taking it more resistant to COVID-19.
Read More: “UM Researchers Working on Nasal Spray COVID-19 Treatment”
Driven to Help Others
September 9, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — Armed with a University of Mississippi education, School of Pharmacy alumna and cancer survivor Jane MacEachern devoted her professional career to the fight against cancer through research and drug trials.
Now to pay tribute to their late wife and mother, Doug MacEachern and son Taylor MacEachern have created the Jane B. MacEachern Memorial Pharmacy Scholarship Endowment to ensure future pharmacy students also gain strong educational foundations.
Read More: “Driven to Help Others”
Isom Center Welcomes New Fellows
September 7, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. –The Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi has chosen a new group of faculty members for its two-year fellowship program.
Created in 2018 with eight inaugural faculty fellows, the program is designed to support research projects conducted by faculty in the areas of gender and sexuality. The support includes grant-writing support, research assistance and the organizing of conferences or symposia.
Read More: “Isom Center Welcomes New Fellows”
UM Administrators Address Performance-Enhancing Drugs in New Book
September 4, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — After noting the absence of an all-inclusive resource on performance-enhancing drugs, current and former University of Mississippi administrators worked together to publish “Sports Pharmacy: Performance Enhancing Drugs and the Athlete.”
The project was organized and guided by Marvin Wilson, associate dean emeritus for academic and student affairs at the School of Pharmacy. The resulting book provides comprehensive information on banned substances, such as performance-enhancing and illegal drugs, as well as comparative lists of prohibited agents and associated penalties for United States professional, collegiate and amateur athletes in various sports.
Read More: “UM Administrators Address Performance-Enhancing Drugs in New Book”
Faculty Feature: Alex Mills
September 3, 2020
Alex Mills joined the University of Mississippi Pharmacy School as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice in July. He comes to the school from Manchester University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he served as an assistant professor of pharmacy.
Joining the School of Pharmacy faculty will be a homecoming for Tschumper, who received her Pharm.D. from the university, as well as a M.S in Chemistry and B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Read More: “Faculty Feature: Alex Mills”
August 2020
Faculty Feature: Emily Tschumper
August 13, 2020
Emily Tschumper joined the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy faculty in July. She comes to the school from North Mississippi Medical Center, where she served as residency program director and emergency medicine pharmacist.
Joining the School of Pharmacy faculty will be a homecoming for Tschumper, who received her Pharm.D. from the university, as well as a M.S in Chemistry and B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Read More: “Faculty Feature: Emily Tschumper”
Natural Products Center Gets NIH Award to Advance Botanical Research
August 10, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – The National Center for Natural Products Research, in partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has been awarded a nearly-$6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the use of a popular oral supplement in promoting resilience against viral infections.
Through the award, the NCNPR, which is part of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, established the Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center and became a component of the NIH Consortium for Advancing Research on Botanicals and Other Natural Products, or CARBON, Program. Ikhlas Khan, NCNPR director, serves as the botanical center’s director and Nirmal Pugh is associate director.
Read More: “Natural Products Center Gets NIH Award to Advance Botanical Research”
‘Friend of the Student’ Helps Launch Pharmacy Careers
August 10, 2020
Making the transition from pharmacy school to a pharmacy career can be a big challenge. Pharmacy students not only need to complete a challenging curriculum, they need to gain real-world experience alongside as well.
Fortunately for Ole Miss Pharmacy students, Laurie Fleming is here to help. As the pharmacy school’s director of experiential programs and experiential affairs, Fleming plays an important role in helping students get the practical experience needed to launch their pharmacy careers.
Read More: “‘Friend of the Student’ Helps Launch Pharmacy Careers”
July 2020
Researchers Tackle Challenges of Safe Drinking Water in Mississippi
July 29, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Recognizing that clean drinking water is a necessity of life, a group of University of Mississippi professors is using community-based research, education and outreach to work with communities in addressing water quality challenges.
Most Mississippians receive their drinking water from a network of more than 1,100 public water systems. The smaller systems serve dozens of people, while larger ones supply tens of thousands of citizens with water. Other Mississippians obtain their water from private wells.
Read More: “Researchers Tackle Challenges of Safe Drinking Water in Mississippi”
UM Professor Becomes National Pharmacy Association President-Elect
July 21, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Stuart Haines, a faculty member with the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, was installed as president-elect of the American Association of College of Pharmacy during the organization’s annual meeting on July 16.
“I feel excitement and trepidation,” Haines said of his selection. “It is a special honor to be elected by your peers to serve in a leadership role. I’m excited about all of the possibilities that lie ahead for both pharmacy education and the profession.”
Read More: “UM Professor Becomes National Pharmacy Association President-Elect”
Glycoscience Research Center Established at School of Pharmacy
July 20, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has received a $10.5 million Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence Phase I grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish a new center dedicated to glycoscience, funded for the first year at $2,107,042.
The Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence, known as GlyCORE, will study how carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing molecules affect human health.
Read More: “Glycoscience Research Center Established at School of Pharmacy”
Stellar Student: Drew Mulkey
July 16, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – His friends and family call him Drew. But thousands of Ole Miss fans know him by another name: Tony the Landshark! In addition to entertaining fans at games, Drew Mulkey is an accomplished student who has been involved in numerous organizations during his time at the university. An Oxford, Mississippi native whose family has attended Ole Miss for generations, Mulkey just wrapped up his first professional year with the School of Pharmacy.
Learn more about stellar student Drew Mulkey!
Read More: “Stellar Student: Drew Mulkey”
Professor Named Pharmacy Administration Chair
July 1, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Dr. Yi Yang, a University of Mississippi professor of pharmacy administration, has been named chair of the Department of Pharmacy Administration at the School of Pharmacy.
Since joining the school in 2005, Yang has served as co-editor with Donna Strum, the university’s associate provost and professor of pharmacy administration, on Understanding Pharmacoepidemiology, a widely used textbook in American pharmacy schools. She also leads an ongoing National Institutes of Health-funded project to study the epidemiology and safety of opioid use among older adults.
Read More: “Professor Named Pharmacy Administration Chair”
June 2020
BioMolecular Sciences Chair Receives AACP Graduate Education Award
June 30, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Kristie Willett, chair of the Department of BioMolecular Sciences at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has been named the inaugural recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Graduate Education Special Interest Group Achievement Award.
The honoree must exemplify teaching excellence and commitment, inspirational leadership, and be a valued mentor, which are many of the qualities Willett portrays.
Read More: “BioMolecular Sciences Chair Receives AACP Graduate Education Award”
Pharmacy School Honors Faculty with Teaching, Research Awards
June 25, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy recognized four of its faculty members for their excellence in and commitment to teaching, service and research during its virtual Faculty and Research Scientist Advancement.
“We are fortunate to have a team of faculty and research scientists that goes above and beyond,” said David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “It’s always a privilege for me to celebrate the work they do for our students, school and the profession with these awards.”
Read More: “Pharmacy School Honors Faculty with Teaching, Research Awards”
Graduate Students Awarded Grants to Fund Further Research
June 23, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Sixteen University of Mississippi graduate students are continuing their exploration into research and creative scholarship pursuits such as Alzheimer’s disease, skin cancer and young adult literature in Mississippi classrooms as recent recipients of Graduate Student Council Research Grants.
The students each received one of the $1,000 competitive research grants funded by the university’s Graduate School and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The funds will be used for projects conducted over the next year or two.
Read More: “Graduate Students Awarded Grants to Fund Further Research”
UM Researchers, Woodcliff Skincare Partner for Aloe Product Patent
June 18, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi researchers, along with Woodcliff Skincare Solutions Inc., have been jointly issued a patent for Alasta, the main ingredient in a line of skin care products being sold under the brand name Sustainable Youth.
The primary ingredient in Alasta is derived from the aloe vera plant and is responsible for the clinically observed effects of enhanced skin firmness and wrinkle reduction. The composition contains aloeride, an immune-enhancing extract that was previously patented by the university and licensed to Woodcliff.
Read More: “UM Researchers, Woodcliff Skincare Partner for Aloe Product Patent”
‘Friend of the Student’ Keeps School of Pharmacy Humming
June 15, 2020
Keeping teachers and students connected is an important part of the education process, especially in these uncertain times. However, as teachers and students have embraced remote teaching and learning in response to COVID-19, technology innovations continue to evolve and present new opportunities for effective instruction
Fortunately for the faculty and students of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Sarah Campbell is here to help. As the school’s instructional design and training specialist, Campbell provides everything students need to keep learning – even from home.
Read More: “‘Friend of the Student’ Keeps School of Pharmacy Humming”
New SOPH Grad to Tackle Social Health Disparities
June 8, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – In her work as a clinical pharmacist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Erika Webster cares deeply about her patients’ needs, far beyond the medications that keep their chronic diseases in check.
She sees their other challenges: Poverty. Transportation issues. Access to healthy food – or any food, for that matter. A healthy and safe place to live.
Read More: “New SOPH Grad to Tackle Social Health Disparities”
May 2020
Walmart Foundation Funding Fuels New Food Prescription Program
May 27, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Three University of Mississippi professors are recipients of a nearly half-million-dollar grant from the Walmart Foundation that will create a food prescription program to improve access to fresh food for Mississippians.
The $442,154 grant from the Walmart Foundation will fund a program that is expected to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables and increase food security and food access for citizens of Charleston in Tallahatchie County.
Read More: “Walmart Foundation Funding Fuels New Food Prescription Program”
Pharmacy Administration Student Named AACP Walmart Scholar
May 27, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Wesley Sparkmon, a graduate student in the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has been named 2020 Walmart Scholar by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Walmart Scholars Program.
The honor and accompanying $1,000 scholarship are given to recipients who are committed to a career in academic pharmacy.
Read More: “Pharmacy Administration Student Named AACP Walmart Scholar”
Pharmacy Alumnae Named AACP Walmart Scholar
May 27, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Elizabeth Hearn, an alumnae of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has been named a 2020 Walmart Scholar by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Walmart Scholars Program.
The honor and accompanying $1,000 scholarship are given to recipients who are committed to a career in academic pharmacy.
Read More: “Pharmacy Alumnae Named AACP Walmart Scholar”
Pharmacy Grads Fizer, Washington Got Start at Murrah
May 22, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – A Murrah High visit to the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in Oxford was more than a field trip for Andrea Washington and Brianca Fizer. It was a path to their profession.
Washington and Fizer, members of the Murrah High Pharmacy Club and now graduates of the School of Pharmacy, credit the organization for piquing their interest in Ole Miss and pharmacy.
Read More: “Pharmacy Grads Fizer, Washington Got Start at Murrah”
Medical Graduate Training Program Selects UM Scholars
May 14, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – Eight doctoral students from four Mississippi universities have been selected as members of the second cohort of the Robert Smith, M.D. Graduate Scholars Program as part of the Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The second cohort of UMMC-GTEC scholars consists of three students from UMMC, three from the University of Mississippi, one from Mississippi State University and one from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Read More: “Medical Graduate Training Program Selects UM Scholars”
Repka Presented University’s Top Research Award
May 8, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Growing up in a small Texas town south of San Antonio, Michael A. Repka worked in his father’s pharmacy.
Frank Repka opened Center Pharmacy in Pleasanton in 1961, and Michael started working there when he was 11 – dusting bottles and shelves, restocking those dust-free shelves and performing various tasks for his father.
Read More: “Repka Presented University’s Top Research Award”
All in the ‘Phamily’
May 7, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – There’s a saying at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy that everyone is “phamily.”
Sometimes, though, they are true family members, as is the case with the Freemans.
Brothers Austin and Blake will both earn degrees this spring. Austin will graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy, while Blake earns his Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Their father, Gary, and mother, Tammy, received their pharmacy degrees from Ole Miss in 1987.
Read More: “All in the ‘Phamily'”
From Crown to Graduation Gown
May 5, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Kasey Pearson has worn many different hats during her first professional year at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.
Not only did Pearson officially receive her white coat, the student pharmacist also won the title of Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality. The Amory native faced 43 other contestants in the two-day event that featured numerous interviews and a 90-second speech competition on how she would promote the state to visitors.
Read More: “From Crown to Graduation Gown”
School of Pharmacy Ranked Top 25 in Nation
May 4, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy once again ranked in the top 25 nationally in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report survey of best pharmacy schools.
UM tied at No. 23 among public institutions and No. 24 overall in the most recent release. The rankings are based on peer assessments from all accredited pharmacy schools and published every four years.
Read More: “School of Pharmacy Ranked Top 25 in Nation”
Pharmacy Professor Awarded Grant to Study Neuroregeneration
May 1, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Vitor Pomin, a professor in the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has received a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to investigate the molecular details and potential active compounds in the process of neuroregeneration.
Pomin, assistant professor of pharmacognosy, will seek to better understand the biochemical mechanisms that limit the ability of the nervous system to recover after damage.
Read More: “Pharmacy Professor Awarded Grant to Study Neuroregeneration”
April 2020
New Center to Engage Mississippi Communities as Research Partners
April 27, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — The University of Mississippi is home to a new center that aims to empower local communities to take charge of their community development, policy change and resilience building by using data and the arts.
The UM Community First Research Center for Wellbeing and Creative Achievement, or UM: CREW, will be a resource for Mississippi communities – from counties and cities to groups of citizens – to create, access, analyze and apply knowledge and data to improve community well-being and local and regional decision-making.
Read More: “New Center to Engage Mississippi Communities as Research Partner”
Stellar Student: Miranda Craft
April 24, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. — Third-year student pharmacist Miranda Craft has gone above and beyond in her academic career. Involved in numerous organizations, one role Miranda officially stepped into recently was as International Chair for the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists International Standing Committee.
Learn more about stellar student Miranda Craft!
Read More: “Stellar Student: Miranda Craft”
Pharmacy Faculty Named Distinguished Teaching Scholars
April 22, 2020
OXFORD and JACKSON, Miss. — University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy faculty members David Colby, Meagen Rosenthal and Gary Theilman have been named as Distinguished Teaching Scholars for a three-year term.
The honor recognizes professors who have proven to be exceptional teachers and colleagues, and who promote effective teaching and learning.
Read More: “Pharmacy Faculty Named Distinguished Teaching Scholars”
Is the South More at Risk for COVID-19?
April 14, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend life in cities across the world, a University of Mississippi sociologist is focusing on the current and potential impact of the virus on rural communities across the South.
Anne Cafer recently co-authored a research brief about the potential impact of COVID-19 on the rural South with Meagen Rosenthal, assistant professor of pharmacy administration in the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy. Drawing on their work, Cafer explains why Mississippi is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Read More: “Is the South More at Risk for COVID-19?”
17 Inspirational Messages from Ole Miss with Love
April 3, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – Charles de Gaulle, quotable French statesman and army officer, once said, “Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own.”
Social media, always abuzz with inspirational quotes like the one from de Gaulle on any given day, has been especially flooded with positivity, well wishes and expressions of love during the global COVID-19 pandemic. There’s a theme of coming together, helping others and focusing on the opportunities that lie in the challenges. The university community has gotten in on spreading the love and finding some silver linings.
Read More: “17 Inspirational Messages from Ole Miss with Love”
March 2020
Keep Teaching: 7 Tips for Converting to Online Instruction
March 26, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – As everyone adjusts to a new normal while trying to stay safe in the midst of COVID-19, University of Mississippi faculty are going above and beyond to provide uninterrupted coursework, but in an online format to keep students engaged and, above all, safe.
Two of the university’s most experienced online professors say their best advice is for educators to take a breath, think about their students and then take it one piece of technology at a time.
Read More: “Keep Teaching: 7 Tips for Converting to Online Instruction”
UM Pharmaceutics Alumni Find Success at FDA
March 5, 2020
OXFORD, Miss. – The Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy has successfully prepared numerous alumni for high-level careers with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The department’s stimulating learning environment and emphasis on real-world experiences have allowed graduates to take advantage of opportunities with the FDA. The relationship with the national agency has strengthened the program by way of research sponsorships for the school’s labs and attendance at the school’s Hands-on Course in Tablet Technology.
Read More: “UM Pharmaceutics Alumni Find Success at FDA”