Pharmacy Student Serves in National Leadership Position

Katie Kreusel aims to advocate in Kappa Psi role

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OXFORD, Miss. – One of the University of Mississippi’s own is serving in a national leadership position within the oldest and largest pharmaceutical fraternity in the world.

Katie Kreusel, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Dacula, Georgia, was elected in July 2024 to serve as collegiate member-at-large for the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. She was formally notified of her election at the fraternity’s Grand Council Convention in Cleveland, Ohio in summer 2024.

“When my name was announced, several of my Kappa Psi brothers ran up to the front of the ballroom to congratulate me,” Kreusel said. “I was very moved by that, and honestly, there were tears.”

As collegiate member-at-large, it is Kreusel’s responsibility to act as the voice for all collegiates in the organization’s more than 100 chapters across the United States, Canada and the Bahamas.

“I am the only collegiate student and youngest member serving on the International Executive Committee,” she said. “It is important that I speak up and provide insight during any discussion with the potential to impact our collegiate members.”

Running for the position was not part of Kreusel’s plan, but after learning of her nomination and giving the idea much thought, she decided to accept.

“From the beginning, my primary goal has been to be an advocate for collegiate members,” she said. “I also want to ensure that our collegiates are aware of the resources available to them.

“Further, I want them to know what it means to be a brother of Kappa Psi who strives to promote our four pillars: fellowship, industry, sobriety and high ideals.”

As a leader, Kreusel considers her ability to hold others accountable and guide a team to work toward a common goal to be one of her greatest strengths. This skillset has come in handy, particularly as she has been charged to lead and coordinate the 2024-2026 International Prospective Member Engagement Committee.

In addition to her fellow fraternity members, Kreusel praised the School of Pharmacy for supporting her leadership endeavors.

“Without the school’s support, I would not have been able to travel to the various assemblies and conventions that provided me with the networking opportunities and experience to run for this position,” Kreusel said.

She also expressed appreciation for Erin Holmes, pharmacy administration professor and UM Kappa Psi grand council deputy, calling her encouragement and mentorship invaluable.

“Katie’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Kappa Psi have been instrumental in driving the success of our chapter and fostering a sense of excellence among our brothers,” Holmes said. “There is no question that her contributions to our chapter and the fraternity as a whole will have a lasting impact.” 

Kreusel will serve in the role for two years, concluding with the fraternity’s 62nd Grand Council Convention in Dallas, Texas, in August 2026.

By

Natalie Ehrhardt

Campus

Office, Department or Center

Published

January 30, 2025

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