School of Pharmacy Names Distinguished Teaching Scholars

“The Distinguished Teaching Scholars are recognized for their exceptional dedication to teaching, learning, and student success,” said Donna Strum, the school’s dean. “They represent our school’s commitment to preparing future leaders in pharmacy.”

The 2026 Thelma H. Cerniglia Distinguished Teaching Scholars are Marie Barnard, associate professor of pharmacy administration, research associate in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, associate professor of public health, and chair of the APHA Pharmacy Section; Anastasia Jenkins, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice; and Noa Valcarcel, instructional associate professor of pharmacology.

"These three teaching scholars lead with purpose, challenging students to never lose sight of the patients they will serve,” said Kristopher Harrell, the school’s associate dean for academic affairs. “Their example inspires learners to show up with curiosity, accountability, and a commitment to growth, both inside and outside the classroom."

Barnard has been at Ole Miss since 2007, directing centers, serving in academic administrator roles, and teaching in multiple disciplines and departments that include Public Health, Social Work, Education, and Pharmacy. She has also worked with high school students in grant-funded initiatives that support after-school health sciences education programs. She has been involved with the creation of several undergraduate and graduate programs, including the undergraduate minor in Intelligence and Security Studies, the graduate certificate in Program Evaluation, and the graduate minor in Applied Statistics. Barnard earned a doctorate in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Mississippi, a master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, and undergraduate degrees in Law, and Physiological Psychology from American University.

“I believe higher education offers a chance to expand horizons, challenge assumptions, explore new knowledge, and encounter and appreciate a wide range of individuals and ideas,” Barnard said. “The most rewarding thing I have the privilege of doing is teaching and working with students, and it is an honor and a privilege to be named a Distinguished Teaching Scholar.”

Jenkins joined Ole Miss in 2011 following a PGY1 residency at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She practices in nutrition support and adult medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford and serves as PGY1 pharmacy residency program coordinator and preceptor for the BMH-NM internal medicine residency program. Jenkins, a board-certified nutrition support specialist, practices with the clinical pharmacy services team. Her areas of scholarship and clinical interest include adult medicine, transitions of care, nutrition support, and pharmacy education. Jenkins is the teaching lead for the Gastrointestinal Module and is actively involved in skills laboratory instruction, experiential education, and resident and student mentorship. She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from the University of Mississippi.

“Receiving the Distinguished Teaching Scholar award from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy is incredibly meaningful to me because this institution has shaped every stage of my professional journey — first as a student, and now as a faculty member and preceptor,” Jenkins said.” I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach, mentor, and learn alongside such outstanding students, residents, faculty, and clinical colleagues each day.”

Valcarcel, a native of Spain, was previously honored as a Distinguished Teaching Scholar in 2023. She conducted postdoctoral research at the Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and completed the Preparing Future Faculty program at the University of Oklahoma. Valcarcel, whose research has focused on the mechanisms of vascular cognitive impairment in the elderly joined the Department of BioMolecular Sciences. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, including Spanish for Pharmacists, which she developed to improve communication between pharmacists and patients. She earned a doctorate in Health Science, a master’s degree in Biomedical Science, and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the Universidade da Coruña. 

“This is a huge honor, because I love teaching and I love the School of Pharmacy. This is more than a job for me; it’s an opportunity to engage with dedicated students and work with amazing colleagues,” Valcarcel said. “I find it rewarding to help prepare future scientists, and to teach students who will use these courses in their careers. I really like my job, and I want my students to find careers that they find meaningful, too.”

Established in 2005, the Distinguished Teaching Scholars program is funded through gifts from the estate of Thelma H. Cerniglia and members of the Galen Order and Dean's Advisory Committee. A committee evaluates nominees and makes recommendations to the dean.

“It is a privilege to recognize these three faculty members for their passion for teaching and impact on student learning in the School of Pharmacy,” Strum said.