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.
Kristie Willett
The honoree must exemplify teaching excellence and commitment, inspirational leadership, and be a valued mentor, which are many of the qualities Willett portrays.
“I really appreciate the recognition, but I accepted it on behalf of the whole department,” Willett said. “Our graduate program successes are a result of the hard work of our faculty, staff and students. The award validates that the curriculum and programing that BMS has implemented is consistent with the AACP core competencies.”
Willett has earned numerous teaching recognitions since joining the school in 2000, including the 2017 UM Faculty Achievement Award. A professor of pharmacology and environmental toxicology, Willett has worked with more than 20 master’s and Ph.D. students and more than 50 high school and undergraduate students in her laboratory.
Willett spoke during her virtual recognition about the BMS Graduate Student Advocates, an organization where students propose initiatives that build community, public service and professional development.
“Graduate students are the foundation of our department’s commitment to research that will improve human and environmental health,” Willett said. “Our students bring incredibly diverse perspectives to our current research questions, and once they graduate from our program I am confident they will have the skills to continue to improve our society.”
Andrew Coop, professor and associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, nominated Willett after meeting her during the Graduate Program Review of the department a few months ago. Coop noted he was “simply amazed” at her contributions and dedication to graduate education.
“Kristie is held in the highest regard by her current and previous mentees,” Coop said. “She is focused on the development of both the individual and graduate education in general. She is committed to introducing pre-college students to the field of graduate education, ensuring that all students from all backgrounds have the chance to excel.”