School of Pharmacy News & Media Center
The University of Mississippi

Jackson Ninth-Graders Participate in Pre-College Day

Posted on: May 18th, 2015 by gegero

April 28, 2015

Chelsea Bennett (second from right), assistant dean for student services, participates in a team-building exercise with students from Jackson high schools.

Chelsea Bennett (second from right), assistant dean for student services, participates in a team-building exercise with students from Jackson high schools.

The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy hosted 31 ninth-graders from Jackson Public Schools as part of Pre-College Day on March 30-31.

Sponsored by Walgreens, Pre-College Day served to encourage high school students from the Jackson area to consider a career in pharmacy.

The inaugural event included a number of fun and educational activities. The students participated in a pill counting relay, dressed in white coats and attended a panel with professional pharmacy students.

Chelsea Bennett, assistant dean for student services, worked with advisers at Jackson Public Schools to bring the event to campus.

“Our Pre-College Day is a great way to educate high school students on the many areas of pharmacy practice,” Bennett said. “While on campus, the students learned how to take blood pressure and respiration rates, how to educate patients on the use of inhalers, and how to count and dispense pills.”

All seven Jackson public high schools were represented. Students were selected to participate based on grades and interest in health professions.

Tiffany Bryant, a student at Lanier High School, said she was happy to participate in the event and learn more about the profession of pharmacy.

“It’s great to learn about new careers – instead of sticking to one career – and learn what it takes to be a pharmacist,” Bryant said.

Since 2007, the School of Pharmacy has partnered with Walgreens to increase diversity within the pharmacy profession. The school’s efforts through the Walgreens Diversity Initiative have dramatically enhanced diversity among its student body.