February 2023
School of Pharmacy News
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
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.