School of Pharmacy News & Media Center
The University of Mississippi

Graphic with text: The University of Mississippi; Pharmacy Matters

February 2023

School of Pharmacy News

Dr. Raman and visitors

Center’s Role Critical in Quality and Safety of Supplements, Cosmetics

In today’s age of online shopping and two-day delivery, consumers have more opportunities than ever to try new health-related products. During COVID-19, for example, many individuals began taking immune-boosting supplements.

Recognizing this trend, the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy analyzed a sample of these products. The study produced surprising results.

First MacEachern Scholarship Recipients Express Gratitude

After receiving pharmacy degrees from the University of Mississippi and the University of Tennessee, the late Jane MacEachern devoted much of her 39-year professional career to designing and implementing oncology drug trials – research that made a significant impact in the lives of cancer patients.

Now a scholarship established in her memory is helping UM School of Pharmacy students have opportunities to make similar impacts.

Pharmacy School Hosts EDI Institute, Furthers School Diversity Efforts

In January, the School of Pharmacy teamed up with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy to host the national virtual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Institute. The third annual event was the highest-attended EDI Institute yet.

Designed to support schools and colleges of pharmacy, the institute helps members further advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts at their institutions and throughout the AACP. The focus of this year’s institute was effectively incorporating and enhancing EDI efforts within curriculum and assessment plans.

“We are proud to partner with AACP to further our common goals within DEI,” said Donna Strum, dean of the UM School of Pharmacy. “It is exciting to see pharmacy faculty, staff and students across the country committed to learning and changing to create a better education experience, and ultimately better health care for all.”

UM Pharmacy Gathers at State Capitol

On Jan. 17, Ole Miss Pharmacy and other state organizations gathered in Jackson for Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. Over the course of the day, students spoke with legislators and promoted the pharmacy profession.

 

Leading the Way

Pharmacy student Lain Vitale.

Student Elected Academy of Student Pharmacists Delegate

Second-year University of Mississippi pharmacy student Lain Vitale will serve as a regional delegate for Region Three of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists after being elected by her peers at the group’s annual Midyear Regional Meeting.

“When it was announced that I had won the election, I was ecstatic,” said Vitale, of Columbia, Illinois. “I, along with my campaign team made up of my three best friends, had worked for months on all of the materials and details surrounding the candidacy. Seeing it all come full circle and pay off was incredible.”

 

Shoutouts and Accolades

Congratulations to Dr. Ikhlas Khan for being elected an American Society of Pharmacognosy fellow.

 Congrats to Dr. Alex Mills and Dr. Courtney Roper for receiving a Faculty Development Grant from the University of Mississippi Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. These funds will be used to support their activities related to teaching, service, professional development, and research.

Congrats to Dr. Jamie Wagner for being featured as the AACP’s Member Spotlight for December.

Congratulations to Tricia Pierre, Shabana Khan, Dale Nagle, and Xing-Cong Li for 25 years of service to the university.

Congratulations to our January Power Teamwork award winners Barbara Neyses, Derek Oglesby and James Judson.

In Memoriam

The UM School of Pharmacy mourns the loss of a member of the phamily. Ed Lowe, principal horticulturist at the National Center for Natural Products Research, passed away on Dec. 18.

Dates to Remember

Health Equity Lecture – Dr. Miriam C. Purnell, chair and professor; program director for PBC Rural Health Disparities and Social Inequities, University of Maryland Eastern Shore: February 3 at noon/TCRC 1000

Charles W. Hartman Memorial Lecture – Dr. Lemry “Al” Carter, executive director/CEO, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy: March 10 at noon/Ford Center

Pharmacy Alumni Weekend: March 31-April 1

SOP Awards Day: April 14

Mississippi Day: April 15

UM Commencement: May 13

Photo Finish

In December, we enjoyed connecting with old and new friends, alumni and colleagues at the Mississippi Reception in Las Vegas during the ASHP Mid-year Annual Meeting.

Pharmacy Matters informs, engages and celebrates the UM School of Pharmacy community.