Fiscal year 2025 was a period of notable transformation for the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Across campuses and programs, the College advanced its mission through academic innovation, expanded research, and student-centered growth—demonstrating its commitment to preparing the next generation of pharmacy and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences leaders.
At the heart of all we do are our students, whose successes and contributions are nothing short of amazing. The College welcomed a new class of PharmD students, whose energy, talent, and commitment reflect the bright future of the profession. With 147 new PharmD students, the Class of 2029’s arrival underscores the College’s reputation as a destination for aspiring pharmacists and its dedication to academic excellence. You can read about this year’s class of incoming future pharmacists in a story about their recent White Coat ceremony. Along with the PharmDs, there were 102 new Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences and 17 graduate students who arrived on campus.
One of the stories you will read and enjoy is the recent honor bestowed on our student chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)—the group was named the best student chapter among more than 100 similar programs in the nation. You can read about this accomplishment in a heartwarming story of victory. At press time, we were notified that another student organization, the Student Oncological Advocates in Pharmacy (SOAP), affiliated with the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement, received the top national student organization as well. A full report of this prestigious honor will be included in the next issue of UGA Script. NCPA and SOAP represent only a handful of the high caliber students, student leaders, and 22 student organizations that we are proud to embrace at the College of Pharmacy. Along with NCPA and SOAP member achievements, we’ve also highlighted individual student standouts in this report.
Speaking of new arrivals, one of the greatest transformations was the addition of eight faculty members, along with several new staff. The College is prospering from this infusion of talent and expertise. These new members of our College community join an established cadre of faculty leaders who are making a difference in the lives of our students. As an example, Dr. Josh Caballero’s story of passion for teaching, along with his ability to live life on the edge, is portrayed in a UGA spotlight.
We’re proud to say that our College is at the forefront of discovery and innovation in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. You’ll read about our campus-wide involvement in artificial intelligence and immersive technology and how we are collaborating with other schools and colleges on the UGA campus. This connection is making us a stronger, more viable partner in UGA’s quest to be a top leader in healthcare education and research.
Within the Doctor of Pharmacy program, faculty and staff proactively aligned with new accreditation standards (Standards 2025) by redesigning the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) for the Class of 2029. Key updates included extending the Community IPPE, streamlining student schedules, and reducing costs. These enhancements strengthened continuity with community preceptors and assured that students receive meaningful direct patient care experiences. A shining example is a story about our simulation program, which can be found within the pages of this magazine.
The International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences program achieved a major milestone with the launch of the Master of Science in Clinical Trial Management, celebrating its first graduating class. Graduates from this program are now poised to assume leadership roles in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the pharmaceutical industry. A great example of the success of this program is a story about one of graduates from this program, Kirstyn Taylor, who was the first student to receive all four certificates IBRS offers.
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences program has experienced significant growth, improved graduation rates, and the addition of a biomedical track with new minors—expanding educational pathways and reinforcing the program as a cornerstone of the College’s academic portfolio. This milestone reflects ongoing growth, improved graduation rates, and the addition of a biomedical track and new minors, expanding educational pathways and reinforcing the program as a cornerstone of the College’s academic portfolio. To better reflect the focus of this undergraduate degree, the program was renamed Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, the college created a new 2+4 Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy Double Dawgs Dual Degree program that allows students to achieve both degrees in six years. You can learn more about the Double Dawgs program here.
Research excellence remains a defining strength of the College, with more than $6 million received in grants and extramural funding in FY25. Dr. Niying Li, Assistant Professor, is one example of the expanding role of research at the College of Pharmacy, and you will read about her successful Alzheimer’s research and rural health. Dr. Jordan Khail, Lecturer, also is making a mark in rural Georgia with an opioid treatment program he is leading in collaboration with community pharmacists. Dr. Khail provides an update to his program, which was funded with a $1.5 million grant from the Opioid Abatement Fund.
Development and Alumni Relations generated more than $6.6 million in support for our College, the largest annual amount in the College’s history—enabling new scholarships, as well as expanding academic programming and opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers in pharmacy and biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. The College is deeply grateful to its 8,000+ alumni, donors, and friends whose commitment makes these accomplishments possible. Be sure to read the many DAR stories found amongst the pages of this report.
Jewels for our College are the extended campuses found in Albany, Augusta, and Savannah. As an example, the contributions to health and the wellbeing of citizens at the Albany instructional site launched a three-year initiative to enhance the professional year three (P3) student experience. Focus areas include expanded recruitment and wellness programming, enriched professional development opportunities, and facility upgrades in partnership with Phoebe Putney Health System, including improved lighting, flooring, and classroom accessibility. These enhancements create a vibrant, supportive learning environment for students in Southwest Georgia.
Together, these achievements highlight the College’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Fiscal year 2025 reflects not only the successes realized but also the promise of what lies ahead as the UGA College of Pharmacy continues to transform the future of pharmacy education, research, and patient care.
May YOU always be transforming. Enjoy reading the articles that tell our story of a memorable 2025 for the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.
