July 3, 2019
By Whitney Tarpy
OXFORD, Miss. – For three years, Jordan Ballou has served as a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.
A 2015 Pharm.D. graduate of Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in North Carolina, Ballou was active in the pharmacy leadership society Phi Lambda Sigma throughout her time as a student pharmacist.
Jordan Ballou
This past March, Ballou was chosen as president-elect for the national organization, joining Ole Miss Pharmacy alumni Regan Tyler and Jillian Foster as recent executive council selections.
Learn more about Ballou and her involvement with Phi Lambda Sigma in the Q&A below.
School of Pharmacy: Why did you choose pharmacy?
Jordan Ballou: I started working as a clerk in an independent pharmacy in my hometown of Morehead City, North Carolina, when I was 18 years old. I enjoyed seeing the relationships that the pharmacists had with their patients, as well as members of our community. It seemed like a fun and positive way to impact the well-being of other people, so I decided to start working towards going to pharmacy school.
SOP: What are your favorite things about Ole Miss/Oxford?
JB: I like cheering on the Rebels in football and baseball, as well as enjoying all of the great restaurants around town!
SOP: What are some of your specific roles as a faculty member at the School of Pharmacy?
JB: At the school, I serve as a coordinator of skills-based development where I help to oversee and implement the skills laboratory curriculum for all of our students. Additionally, I serve as a preceptor for students in their fourth year. I practice at Tyson Drug Company in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where I see patients and help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. I also am the site coordinator for the Community Pharmacy Residency Program.
SOP: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
JB: My favorite part is to watch a student have their “ah-ha” moment in practice. The students learn so much from reading in a textbook or listening in the classroom. However, when they can finally apply it to a case or a real living patient, they have a sense of excitement and realization that is very fulfilling to me.
SOP: What are some of your goals in your new role as Phi Lambda Sigma president-elect?
JB: Phi Lambda Sigma is at a really unique place as an organization. We have some exciting strategic planning that is going to happen the next few years to advance the benefit that Phi Lambda Sigma provides, not only to recognize leaders in pharmacy, but also to develop leaders among student and alumni members. I am looking forward to my year as president-elect to learn more about the organization. As I continue on to president, I hope to work with the entire national executive committee to develop a strong foundation for many years to come.
SOP: What makes Phi Lambda Sigma special to you?
JB: I believe that all pharmacists are leaders, regardless of titles or positions. Phi Lambda Sigma has a distinct opportunity to impact future pharmacists with chapters at nearly every school of pharmacy across the country. By developing leadership skills in our student pharmacists, we will ultimately have a better impact on patient care and advance the profession of pharmacy.