Campbell Comments_Spring 2024

CAMPBELL COMMENTS

For Alumni, Students & Friends of the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences | Spring 2024

Dr. Jeff Mercer named CPHS Dean

Message from the Dean

Dear Alumni and Friends,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I have taken on the role of Dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Stepping into this position after leaders like Dr. Ron Maddox and Dr. Michael Adams fills me with a sense of responsibility and excitement for the journey ahead.

I am pleased to announce several significant leadership changes within our College. Dr. Pamela Edwards has joined us as the new Director and Chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Duke University Health System. Additionally, Krystle Edge has been appointed as the new Assistant Director of the School of Nursing, enhancing our team’s capabilities and expertise.

As Betty Lynne W. Johnson retires at the end of May, we welcome Laura R. Gerstner as the new Director and Chair of the Physician Assistant program. With her extensive background in clinical education and academic administration, Laura is poised to lead our PA program to new heights. Ian Ward has also been appointed as the Associate Program Director on the PA leadership team.

You will find an article about Dr. Edwards in this edition of the magazine and look for a story in the next edition about the leadership changes in our PA program.

Our recent ceremony for the CPHS Scholarship Awards was a wonderful occasion that showcased the generosity of our donors and the achievements of our students. More than 70 scholarship donors, recipients, alumni, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate academic excellence and support, making it a truly special experience.

I am thrilled to share that our Doctor of Pharmacy program has received continued accreditation for eight years, a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and postgraduate success. Our most recent NAPLEX first-time pass rate was reported at 84.3%, which is well above the national average of 77.5%. Our MPJE score of 84.7% was also well above the national average of 74.4%. These notable results further underscore the quality of education our students receive, preparing them for success in diverse healthcare environments.

During the 2023 Winter Commencement, we celebrated the graduation of our inaugural class of Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) students. As they crossed the stage together with graduates from our Doctor of Physical Therapy program, I was reminded of the breadth of our College and our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through education and innovation.

Produced by the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Editor, Photographer & Writer: Meredith Blalock, ’00, CPHS Director of Communications & Marketing

Writers: Will Bratton, ’11; Alex Naseem Chakra (’25 MSPH Candidate); Christy McCormick, ’11; Joy Morrow (’24 PharmD Candidate); John Trump

Photographers: Will Bratton, ’11; Charissa English; Bennett Scarborough

Graphic Designer: Adam Fish, '09, Campbell University Communications & Marketing

In this edition, you will find exciting updates about our new Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences course with international ties to Chile and the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

As we move forward, I extend my deepest gratitude for your encouragement to date and your continued support. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to campus for upcoming events such as Homecoming on Saturday, October 26.

With Campbell Appreciation,

JEFF MERCER, PHARMD, MBA Dean, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

DA visitor was sitting in the chair, but Dr. Mercer was thinking about another time. Remembering a moment that happened some years ago. A conversation that changed his career, his life. The moment when his journey to Campbell University – to becoming dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) – began.

“I sat in the chair you're in today,” he said, addressing his guest. “Yeah, I sat there, and Dr. Adams sat over there,” he reminisced thinking about when he was at Campbell in an official capacity.

Mercer, at the time, was dean of the College of Pharmacy at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where he worked in various roles for 16 years. He was a member of the accreditation team on Campbell’s campus talking with Dr. Michael L. Adams, now provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Campbell, who was then dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

"I was really impressed with the structure that Dr. Adams had put together for CPHS,” he said. “I learn something on each site visit, but I don't necessarily enjoy everywhere I go. But here I really enjoyed the visit. And it stood out to me."

As fellow deans, Drs. Mercer and Adams would occasionally exchange ideas and strategies common to organizational leadership. The COVID-19 pandemic provided many such opportunities.

“As a dean,” Mercer said, “life can be quite challenging because you're trying to do

the right thing, but there's often no precedent set for it. Michael and I had a number of constructive conversations during the pandemic, and I truly valued his willingness to act as a sounding board.”

Campbell, in early 2022, was searching for a new associate dean of Administration for CPHS. Mercer was intrigued by the position and mentioned the job to Adams.

Adams had no idea that he’d be interested in it.

“My curiosity won over,” Mercer said. “And then the next thing I knew, we were talking about the potential of me coming and being a part of this place.”

Welcome to Campbell

The third dean of the College since its founding in 1985 by Dr. Ron Maddox, Mercer came to Campbell as an associate dean for administration but was subsequently named interim dean of CPHS in January 2024.

As interim dean, he helped guide the College and key program leaders through the final steps of three on-site accreditations, including the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Accreditation and Review Commission on Physician Assistant Education, and the Council on Education for Public Health.

“I chose to leave a deanship to come here as an associate dean,” Dr. Mercer said. “A lot of people asked me why I would do that. But I just really wanted to be part of the larger entity, the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

“I admired this place from a distance for a long time. So, coming and actually being a part of it has been interesting, and thankfully as rewarding as I hoped it would. It’s been wonderful.”

Adams said Mercer has been a great addition to the Campbell family, praising him for an innovative mindset that leads to an inquisitive approach and an uncanny ability to see new opportunities, new ways of doing things. His character is genuine, Adams said. His leadership style relational and transparent.

“He’s good for Campbell because he understands who we are — a faithbased institution that focuses on students and student success and outcomes,” Adams said.

“You can have a great person, but if they don’t understand the context, they’re not effective. He’s a great person, and he gets the context. He gets exactly who we are. It didn’t take him much to figure that out. He knew that, maybe before he got here.”

That respect travels both ways.

“Michael is as genuine as they come,” Mercer said. “If you want to know what matters to Michael, it's his family and Campbell. It’s as simple as that. He loves it. He breathes it. And it makes you want to love your family and Campbell.”

Dr. Mercer and his wife, Emmie —also “Dr. Mercer” after recently earning her Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics — have three children — Jeffrey, who is 21; Levi, 19; and Anderson, 16.

The Mercers have been married for 28 years; they met as chemistry lab partners at Faulkner University in Alabama. Emmie has more than 20 years’ experience in higher education teaching information systems and data visualization courses and is now the department head for Computer Programming and Information Sciences at Wake Tech in Raleigh. She also still teaches for Harding University College of Business Administration and is an adjunct professor for Campbell’s Lundy-Fetterman School of Business.

r. Jeff Mercer pointed to a chair in his office and nodded.

“My oldest son, Jeffrey, is a great fisherman, but was also a talented athlete,” Mercer said. “He and Levi won three football state championships together in high school and Levi is currently a tight end on Harding University’s football team.”

Jeffrey is a junior pursuing a computer science degree at Harding and works at Cabela’s in Garner when home from school.

Anderson, the youngest, is a sophomore at Wake Christian Academy in Raleigh, playing football and running track.

“Anderson has always loved the beach, but he recently picked up snow skiing in the mountains of North Carolina, so he is really enjoying all there is to do in this wonderful state,” Mercer said.

Mercer and his family were apart for a time during his transition to Campbell and move to North Carolina, which was admittedly tough, he said. But being together as a family, which happened this past summer, was special.

Spending time with family is Dr. Mercer’s favorite pastime, along with fishing. Dr. Mercer loves fishing, which he learned from his grandfather. It’s a life-long passion. “I'm really intrigued by the water… I love every kind of fishing, but especially fly fishing. Fishing is my preferred outdoor sport along with anything my boys do. I would like to consider myself an avid fly fisherman. But, in reality, I love it more than I'm good at it. If today you told me I could do anything in the world, but my family's not available, or my job doesn't need me, I'd find a place to go fish, and I would do that with a fly rod.”

Born in Georgia and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Mercer is the youngest of three boys. Their father sold cars; their mother worked as a secretary. His brothers graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville.

"I saw, for the first time in them, this idea of education,” Dr. Mercer said. “I really wasn't a highly focused student in high school, but I found my academic legs in college.”

He was deciding his next steps in life when a phone call from a lady who had watched him speak during Senior Sunday at his church opened a door for him toward a college education. She told Mercer, "You need to be a preacher."

Dr. Mercer took her advice and enrolled at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, and after his first year interned at a church in Huntsville. Even then, he was still trying to decide on a career path.

His oldest brother, who worked for GlaxoSmithKline, asked him whether he had considered a career in pharmacy. He had not.

"That's kind of where the seed was planted. It was intriguing,” he said. “From that point forward, I refocused my efforts toward pharmacy.”

He attended the Mercer University School of Pharmacy in Atlanta for one year. He couldn’t stay. He had good reason to leave.

"I was in pharmacy school at Mercer and enjoyed the school there, but there was one problem: my fiancé was in Alabama, and I was at Mercer in Georgia,” he said. "That was not working. So, I learned really quickly that I needed to be closer to her. I wanted to get married.”

Two weeks later they enrolled at Auburn. Dr. Mercer did his graduate and practice training in Huntsville and nearby Madison, AL. From there he started his career with Publix as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager in the early 2000s, gaining practical experience before moving into corporate pharmacy management. In 2004, he was promoted to pharmacy supervisor and district manager.

The promotions came, and so did the travel and corporate commitments.

Harding University in Arkansas

One day, because of mutual acquaintances, Mercer got an email from Dr. Julie Hixon-Wallace at Harding University. He was familiar with the school, which was starting a college of pharmacy.

"’No, no, no, no, no, I'm not a teacher. I'm in business and operations,’" Mercer remembers telling Hixon-Wallace. “And, she said, ‘What I need is somebody who can win friends and influence people.’ And I said, ‘Tell me more.’”

What Hixon-Wallace wanted — needed, really — was for someone to take on the seemingly impossible task of persuading the state of Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, to support the small, private, faith-based school in its quest to add a pharmacy school.

"I embraced my role as associate dean for Experiential Education, engaging daily with the community and key stakeholders, absorbing their valuable perspectives and insights," Mercer said. “I was trying to convince them of why we deserved to be there.”

Said Hixon-Wallace, “He's like a brother to me. He was the first person I hired when I was starting the College of Pharmacy here at Harding University. He was excellent in relationship building, and very charismatic and genuine with people.

“One of the things that I have always greatly admired about Jeff is just his ability to genuinely engage with people, and people are naturally drawn to him. He's just easy to communicate with, and you feel like he really cares about what you're saying,” Hixon-Wallace said. “He's very down to earth, but yet at the same time he's savvy about business, especially related to pharmacy.”

Harding started its pharmacy college in 2008 and graduated its first class in 2012. In 2016, with Hixson-Wallace taking on new responsibilities at Harding, Dr. Mercer became dean of the school. He was also a site visitor for the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

“I'd visit a number of schools for site visits and really enjoyed that because you learn so much from other schools. One of the places that I visited was here, in 2018.”

Jeffrey Mercer

Levi Mercer

Anderson Mercer

Building relationships

“I am excited about where we're going. But I don't want to lose the enthusiasm for where we are,” Mercer said of CPHS. “I think our programs are fantastic as they are. Yes, we can get better. Yes, we should focus on even higher measures of quality. But we also need to appreciate what we have. And if there's anything that I want to double down on or focus on most intently, it's the culture of Campbell, the community that is Campbell.”

“Building relationships comes naturally to me,” he said.

“When asked, ‘Why are you choosing to leave a deanship to come to Campbell?’ I would say, I'm more drawn to people and opportunities, less so to positions and personal advancement. To me, it’s not about the position, it’s more about the opportunity to have relationships with people. I love to get into the communities and become a part of all that is happening.”

The Campbell College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, like many of the University’s colleges and programs, has a stellar national reputation. Mercer talked about refocusing efforts on enhancing student pipelines, staying in touch with alumni and embracing the larger Campbell family.

“If I could choose to do one thing every day professionally, it would be to go out and talk about Campbell, because it's just a great place. We still need to tell our story more effectively, and that's an opportunity I look forward to sharing with others.”

“We have strong programs. We have great people, and that really drew me here… the team that had been assembled for all the health sciences. The future is so bright, and we’re really poised, I think, to go to the next level.”

Mercer said he has a natural love for people. Listening to them and hearing about their successes. Or maybe their problems. Helping to fix those issues.

“I like to be involved and hear what’s going on. And I want to work together to solve problems. I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and get in there and be part of that, trying to find a solution for the problems that present themselves. And that's really what administration is, it's constantly trying to help others with the things that they're faced with.”

Dr. Mercer has “a rockstar team,” the envy of any institution in the U.S.

“We have ideas, we implement ideas, and then we effect a change. And the team is ready to do that. When I got to Campbell, they pulled me in so quickly. It felt like this was supposed to be. I've been led here, and this is an opportunity to bloom where I'm planted.”

Fishing – a lifelong passion – brings a lifetime of memories

For Dr. Jeff Mercer, every cast of his fly rod provides an opening to a new memory.

A recurring one, too.

Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, has a passion for fishing, and for the grandfather who taught him the sport, who instilled that passion.

Growing up, he spent summers with his grandfather, a retired plumber with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He was also a preacher.

Wednesdays and Sundays were off-limits for fishing, because those days are set aside for God’s work, says Mercer. The other days were set aside for fishing.

Fly fishing, specifically.

“My grandfather was a real purist as far as fishing,” Mercer said. “He didn't let me fish with anything but a fly rod, so I grew up fly fishing. Even to this day, it's very rare that I do anything other than fly fish.”

Fly fishing is intricate and complex. About timing and touch. Casting and casting again. Until that tiny artificial fly becomes, for a fish, too tempting to ignore.

“I love it more than I'm good at it,” Mercer says with a laugh. “If today you told me I could do anything in the world, but my family's not available, or my job doesn't need me, I'd find a place to go fish, and I would do that with a fly rod.”

He remembers fishing for trout on the Little Red River. And about spending time with his boys. Remembering when they each caught their first fish with a fly rod. When they were able to fish without dad’s help.

“You do it for your boys up until a certain age, and then you look at them and they're over there doing it by themselves.”

This past summer Mercer and his oldest son, Jeffrey, who also holds a passion for fishing, split the cost of a jon boat.

“We had not been together for almost a year, because I had taken the position with Campbell and was living here without them,” Mercer said. “It was a lot of fun to reconnect and put that boat to good use.”

Mercer’s grandfather taught him other important lessons, of course. Mostly about life. About being good. About doing good.

“We would wake up first thing in the morning, and we would go serve others,” Mercer said.

Someone’s grass may need mowed, or someone needed help moving.

Anything to help.

“You never knew what he was going to do… But you pretty much knew what the intention was. He would start mowing grass, and he would just keep mowing. He wouldn't stop at the neighbor's house. He’d just keep mowing. He'd mow three or four neighbor's front yards in a row. He loved helping people.

“I remember, when we would get done, he would say, ‘Well, we've done our good deed for the day, let's go fishing.’ I think I see the world through his eyes, now that I'm older. So, every time I fly fish, it's a tribute to him. I don't even care if I catch fish, to be honest. It’s just the action of it and getting out in nature.”

And time to think about his grandfather. “There's not one cast that I make that I don't have that connection to my grandfather. I mean, I can feel it, it's palpable, and it means a lot to me. He was a really big influence in my life.”

Dr. Pamela Edwards Announced as New Director & Chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing

Dr. Pamela Edwards is the new director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing. Dr. Edwards joined Campbell University in March from the Duke University Health System where she most recently served as Assistant Vice President for Nursing Education and Associate Consulting Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing.

She previously served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Education at

Duke University Health System, Deputy Director of the Duke Area Health Education Program (AHEC), Director of Educational Services at Duke University Health System, and Associate Director of Continuing Medical Education at Duke University School of Medicine.

Throughout her career, Dr. Edwards has served in numerous leadership roles at the state and national levels. In addition to completing an executive leadership fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, she has been recognized by Barton College, the Great 100 in Nursing, Duke University, the National League for Nursing Center for Excellence, the Triangle Business Journal, and the North Carolina Nurses Association.

Dr. Edwards received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College, a Master of Science in Nursing from Villanova University, and Doctor of Education in Occupational & Adult Education from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Edwards is the proud mom of a Campbell graduate and makes her home in Willow Spring, North Carolina, where she and her husband have a small horse farm.

“I look forward to being part of the Campbell University family, meeting and

working with new colleagues across the University, and especially interacting with the students. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the next generation of Campbell nurses who will care for our patients, families and communities.”

“We are excited to have Dr. Edwards join us in the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing”, said Dr. Wesley D. Rich, associate dean for Health Sciences in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. “Her impact on healthcare in North Carolina has been felt at all levels. From individual patients to community health and major health system leadership, Dr. Edwards is passionate, forward-thinking, innovative, and highly respected across healthcare disciplines. With such rich experience in nursing education and practice, I am confident that she will be instrumental in continuing the tradition of excellence within the school of nursing.”

Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, spoke highly of Dr. Edwards, "She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her leadership in nursing education aligns with our commitment to excellence in health sciences. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and the broader healthcare community."

Scholarship luncheon

The CPHS Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, February 23, in the Oscar N. Harris Student Union. More than 70 scholarship donors, student scholarship recipients, alumni, faculty, and staff attended, including University President J. Bradley Creed and his wife, Kathy, and Provost Michael L. Adams (’96 PharmD, PhD).

Chile provides ‘perfect backdrop’ for innovative new program

Dr. Victor Pulgar had an idea, a vision.

An associate professor of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences at Campbell University, Dr. Pulgar is a native of Santiago, Chile, the capital. He came to Campbell in 2017, bringing with him an idea for a program that would give students a chance to learn and conduct research outside of the classroom.

Outside of the country.

In December 2023, Pulgar and three Campbell faculty members traveled to Chile to continue discussions about a novel immersion program, involving Campbell and Universidad de la Frontera in Temuco, Chile, as well as the Universidad Andrés Bello, a private university with three campuses in Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Concepción.

Chile, with a population of nearly 20 million, hugs much of the western edge of South America. The Pacific Ocean to the west, the sprawling Andes to the east.

Long and narrow, the country, from east to west, spans about 217 miles. Yet, from its northernmost to southernmost tip, Chile runs some 2,670 miles. Unique geography and a stunning landscape — from lush, green rainforests to austere desert.

A wonderful place to explore and to discover. To learn.

Dr. Pulgar has been to Chile many times since coming in the U.S. in 2003, and for several years has met with university leaders to set a foundation and establish a framework for the novel program. He called those Chilean trips, “informal visits.”

“Over this time, I've been keeping contact with universities, colleagues,” says Pulgar, who also teaches Ph.D. programs in Chile.

Dr. Pulgar has a longstanding professional and academic relationship with Dr. Jorge Farias, professor and dean of the School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Universidad de la Frontera.

Another key player in the discussions, Dr. Jose Pulgar, is a marine biologist at the Universidad Andres Bello’s Department of Ecology & Biodiversity (School of Life Sciences.) He has collected a significant body of work on animals in changing coastal environments and climates.

The December trip, however, was, Dr. Victor Pulgar said, a “formal” visit, done in cooperation with the Office of Global

DHSc Inaugural Class

The inaugural class of Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) walked the stage to receive their diplomas during the 2023 Winter Commencement Ceremony, three years after the launch of the program. The degree provided the 19 post-professionals the necessary skills and abilities to help shape the future of healthcare and health-related organizations.

Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2023 Outperforms National Average

The Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2023 posted a North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) firsttime test taker score of 84.3%, which is well above the national average of 77.5%. In addition, the class ranked above the national average of 74.4% on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), posting an 84.7%.

84.3%

North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) first-time test taker score

84.7%

Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) score

The Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted continued accreditation for eight years, the maximum time allowed between self-studies, by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Engagement, which funded a substantial part of the trip.

Dr. Dorothea Thompson, Dr. Susan Misciagno, and Dr. Charles Carter of the Department of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences joined Pulgar in Chile, where they visited the respective universities, took in the countryside — as well the cities, towns, and landmarks — and dove headlong into the local culture, starting in Santiago.

“I was already there when three of my colleagues arrived in Santiago, and for seven days we visited these two universities,” Dr. Victor Pulgar said. “We went to visit the experimental station on the coast, where experiments with marine animals are developed.”

The Campbell University colleagues then flew south, to the Universidad de la Frontera.

“We stayed in Temuco for four days, (exploring) academic opportunities, cultural opportunities. And so, that was the first ‘official’ trip”

It was Dr. Thompson’s first trip to South America.

“The people were very warm, welcoming. It really was a wonderful experience,” she said. “We had a great time meeting lots of people, establishing relationships and friendships going forward.”

The planned course, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology of Natural Products in Chile, will combine the strengths of myriad institutions and nurture the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and engineers, clinical researchers, chemists, biologists and healthcare professionals.

“My main goal here is to prepare something that benefits the department, the college and the university,” Dr. Victor Pulgar says. “To get exposure to another culture first, another history, another way to do things. We are in the department of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, so we are very much focused on those types of studies.”

Students, he said, will also have an opportunity to learn “a little bit of Spanish,” which is important as the language becomes more prominent throughout the U.S. They, too, can learn from indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Mapuche, who have become experts in using plants, food and other natural products as medicine.

“Antibiotic resistance is a very big issue today in pharmaceutical development, and all antibiotics come from natural sources. So, we need to know more about that,” Dr. Victor Pulgar said.

Exploring the potential.

“Pharmaceutical biotechnology is kind of the big umbrella of all this,” he said.

Eligible students, mostly from chemistry and biology backgrounds, will delve into the academic intricacies during the fall and spring semesters, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. They would then travel to Chile for a two-week immersion experience.

"In the face of climate change and the need for sustainable practices, this course becomes not just educational but imperative,” said Dr. Thompson, adding that the trip helped to define activities students will undertake in the lab.

“We're moving away from chemical synthesis to a more sustainable approach.”

Students will work to gain a broader understand of the challenges facing the world, from climate control and preserving biodiversity to, again, discovering biopharmaceuticals needed for enhancing global health.

“… Whether it's a plant, or whether it's tree bark, or whether it is aquatic in nature, and looking at those properties and investigating those properties, to see whether they would have medicinal benefits for humans,” Dr. Thompson said. “We still have the indigenous peoples of Chile, and they are very familiar with plants, with trees ... aquatic elements that they use, for example, for anti-inflammatory purposes, or to reduce fever.”

The aforementioned Mapuche comprise the most numerous group of indigenous people in South America, numbering more than 1.4 million at the turn of the 21st century, according to Brittanica.

Offering another unique perspective to the diverse and immersive course.

“It's showing the students that not everyone grows up having access to a pharmacy down the street, and I think that's sort of building a cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity ... and is going to help students throughout their lives and throughout their careers,” Dr. Thompson said.

Plans are to have two cohorts per year — undergraduate and graduate — with about 10 students, with one in the summer and another in December. Two faculty members will accompany the students.

“At this point, we have a manifest of understanding to formal agreements in process with both universities in Chile,” Dr. Victor Pulgar said.

The respective universities are working out the legal details of the program — a framework for collaboration, which will involve an exchange of students and faculty.

“This is the beginning,” he said. “I hope that we can expand this to incorporate more students from other departments who may be interested. One of the universities that we're talking about is very into engineering. … there's room for expansion once we get this rolling.

"This course is a unique opportunity for our students to engage with real-world challenges. It goes beyond traditional learning by immersing them in a diverse cultural and scientific environment.

“Chile, with its rich biodiversity and societal dynamics, serves as the perfect backdrop."

DPT alumna is Campbell’s first student to be accepted to Duke’s Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency

Recent graduate, KRISTYN WALKER (’23 DPT), was awarded the Duke Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency. Walker is the first Campbell graduate to be accepted into this residency. The one-year program allows physical therapists to specialize in the area of oncology and often culminates in taking the board certification exam to become a Board-Certified Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy (OPT).

Originally from Bakersfield, California, Walker studied Kinesiology with a concentration in Allied Heath at California State University, Bakersfield. Walker is a published author of a fantasy trilogy, as well as a prequel novel. She has also been heavily involved in theatre and dance, as well as choregraphing for the junior theatre company in her home town.

Over the years, various injuries landed Walker in physical therapy. “The personal exposure, coupled with watching my own family members suffer from cancer, is what caused me to fall in love with both oncology and the physical therapy profession as a whole,” Walker commented. When looking at various graduate programs, Walker wanted to be in a setting where she could establish connections with her classmates. Campbell’s family atmosphere drew her to Buies Creek, and in 2020 she dove head first into Campbell’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

The Director of Duke’s Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency, Dr. Michelle DeCastro, gave a guest lecture to Walker and her classmates during their second year of the program. Walker quickly realized the connection between the lecture subject matter, lymphedema, and her love of oncology. The lecture invigorated Walker. She was ready to dive into the specialty and begin learning from experts as quickly as possible, so she applied to the residency.

OPT is a newer field. It allows cancer patients the opportunity to address things like muscle weakness, fatigue, pain associated with treatments, lymphedema, and more. Walker summarized by stating, “the small things are actually big things to these patients.” A broader range of mobility or more efficient way to get up from a chair might feel like conquering the world

to someone who is constantly battling for their health or in some cases, their life.

Dr. Karlyn Green, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, shared, “As a student at Campbell in the DPT program, Walker verbalized a unique interest in the oncological and lymphedema populations during lectures and seemed to naturally gravitate towards the hands-on skills. Her unique ability to see the big picture in these complex patient populations will undoubtedly assist in her success.”

The OPT Residency program shared that residents, “are able to partner with and learn from top professionals and world-renowned multidisciplinary teams across the spectrum of cancer diagnoses, treatment paradigms, and care settings.” As a resident, Walker will be mentored by providers like DeCastro who teaches oncology and lymphedema content as an adjunct faculty in the Campbell DPT program.

DeCastro shared, “my passion as a provider and co-director of this residency is to promote health and wellness for cancer survivors and their families. Mentoring new clinicians to become experts in delivery of physical therapy to cancer survivors is essential at this time while the population of survivors is increasing.”

The residency will begin in August, and Walker hopes to practice in an outpatient oncology clinic when it concludes. She aims to integrate her passion for dance into her professional path, possibly by founding a business specializing in fitting ballet dancers for pointe shoes and evaluating those aspiring to dance en pointe.

As the first Campbell graduate to secure acceptance into Duke’s prestigious Oncologic Physical Therapy Residency, Kristyn Walker exemplifies the culmination of perseverance and empathy. Her trajectory symbolizes the distinctive blend of rigor and compassion instilled by Campbell’s DPT program. Embarking on this pivotal journey, Walker not only endeavors to specialize in oncology but also envisions seamlessly intertwining her passion for dance with her professional aspirations. Her narrative underscores the profound impact of individualized care fostered by Campbell’s program, heralding a future rich with possibilities in the field of physical therapy.

Recovering Hope Conference

The Recovering Hope Conference: Faith-Driven Responses to the Overdose Crisis took place on March 7, welcoming faith leaders to campus for an insightful exploration of the intersection between faith and the ongoing overdose crisis. Hosted by the Department of Public Health and led by program chair, DR. DAVID TILLMAN, the conference aimed to foster a dialogue on the crucial role that faith communities can play in addressing and alleviating the impacts of the overdose crisis.

With approximately 50 participants in attendance, the event provided a platform for diverse perspectives and collaboration. Reverend Sarah Howell Miller, the senior pastor at Greenstreet United Methodist Church in WinstonSalem, NC, was a distinguished speaker, delivering a thought-provoking presentation titled "What Can Faith Communities Do?" Her contribution added a valuable dimension to the conference, inspiring attendees to consider tangible actions that faith communities can take to contribute meaningfully to the recovery and healing process in the face of the overdose crisis. The conference successfully brought together leaders from various faith backgrounds, creating a space for shared insights and a renewed commitment to collective efforts in addressing this pressing societal issue.

OUR PROGRAMS

Public Health student ALEX NASEEM CHAKRA (’25 MSPH CANDIDATE) had the unique opportunity to attend a gathering of thought leaders for faith and health from across the country. He shared his perspective on the event.

“My experience at the Impact Circle Convening, a small conference in Orlando, Florida, organized by Interfaith America and AdventHealth, left a deep impression on me. Seeing firsthand the integration of faith and community investments coming to life was inspiring. It wasn't just any conference; it was an enlightening event that resonated within the deepest parts of my young professional self and the beliefs in my faith.

As we networked and conversed about our works, I felt a powerful energy and inspiration within me. Seeing how profound the impact that faith can have on communities is motivational. Our conversations centered on the fundamental principle of investing in local community-based resources while integrating faith. This struck a chord deep in my heart. Learning how to uplift and invest in my marginalized communities is the reason why I am in my current cohort as a public health student. Recognizing the humanity in each person and standing together in solidarity of all faiths to create a healthier and caring environment for our future generations to thrive in is of utmost importance. Sharing my thoughts and hearing the stories of others, I couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of hope. A future where every individual is seen, heard, and valued. The conference helped to fuel my passion for public health and propel me forward on this journey of service.”

Two CPHS Nursing students nominated for DAISY award

he DAISY award recognizes, honors, and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide to patients and their families. Nursing students, faculty, preceptors, and other practicing nurses can be nominated by anyone who experiences or observes him/her providing extraordinary compassionate care. Two College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) nursing students received a DAISY nomination. While not all nominees receive the DAISY award, it is a high honor to be recognized for exemplary care through the nomination process.

Originally from Wake Forest, NC, ELLIE BACON (’24 BSN CANDIDATE) has always possessed a passion for science. Striving to provide patient care to the best of her ability, Bacon finds fulfillment in caring for others and believes nursing was what she was made to do. Bacon was nominated for the DAISY award during her externship at UNC REX Holly Springs, while working in the postpartum unit. “This nomination solidified that I am pursuing the right path. It felt amazing to be recognized and appreciated for the patient care that I provided, especially as a student,” Bacon shared.

Benson native, LINDSEY GODWIN (’24 BSN CANDIDATE) was nominated by a patient and their family member during her summer externship at the North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital of UNC Rex, where she worked in the cardiovascular surgical stepdown unit. Godwin stated, “I have always been drawn to caring for others and to building a positive relationship and rapport with those who I meet. Nursing allows me to incorporate the love of science and medicine into caring for and establishing trust with patients as well as their families.”

Instructor of Nursing, Sharon Boyd, shared what an honor it was to have two Campbell students nominated for the prestigious and internationally recognized DAISY award that celebrates nurses who go above and beyond. “Both students demonstrate professionalism and provide excellent nursing care in a meaningful and purposeful manner with strong critical thinking skills. Our nursing department is very proud of them,” Boyd remarked.

Ellie Bacon (’24 BSN Candidate)

Lindsey Godwin (’24 BSN Candidate)

APRIL POPE, associate professor of Physician Assistant Practice, and PETE FENN, adjunct professor of Physician Assistant Practice, facilitated an advanced practice provider (APP) continuing education skills day in February for nine physician assistants and nurse practitioners employed by a group who precepts second year PA students. The SIM lab and skills stations in Smith Hall were used to run scenarios and allow participants to practice skills with their colleagues. The event was both informative and fun for the participants and faculty.

INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Fourth year Doctor of Pharmacy student, Joy Morrow, shared a reflection on her time as a Wallace Fellow

“During my time as a Wallace Fellow under the tutelage of UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR, DR. JERRY M. WALLACE, I have had the pleasure of participating in meaningful discussions about servant leadership, active listening, humility, and selflessness. I read four incredible, self-reflecting books that offered many life lessons and different perspectives regarding my outlook on life and how I handle what life throws at me as an individual. Dr. Wallace is a compassionate, very wise, and exemplary servant leader who has helped me grow spiritually and expand on my ability to communicate with others, focus on personal growth, and seek the rewards of making a meaningful impact in my community as a future pharmacist. I feel blessed to have been impacted so greatly by this experience and hope that other like-minded leaders are granted an opportunity to learn from Dr. Wallace during the upcoming Jerry M. Wallace Interprofessional Servant Leadership & Character Fellowship year. Thank you, Dr. Wallace, for a memorable experience!”

IPE REPS

More than 500 students from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and the School of Medicine participated in IPE REPS. The virtual event on February 6 was facilitated by more than thirty faculty and staff members. During the event, students worked in interprofessional teams to review a case involving a farmworker patient. Discussion questions centered on interprofessional communication, roles and responsibilities of team members, care planning for the patient, and social determinants of health. The case for the event was developed by a fourth-year pharmacy student.

DPT Convocation and Graduation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program graduated 43 in the class of 2023 on Saturday, December 16, following a Convocation Ceremony on Friday, December 15.

Welcome DPT Class of 2026!

The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences welcomed the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2026 the first week of January.

Faculty/Staff Achievements

Pharmacy Practice faculty Drs. RILEY BOWERS, associate professor and lead author; SCOTT PERKINS, co-director of Drug Information; BETH MILLS, chair of Pharmacy Practice; KATIE TROTTA, clinical associate professor; and EMILY GHASSEMI, clinical assistant professor, earned the prestigious national 2023 ACCP Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Paper of the Year Award.

ASHLEY NORDAN (’13 MPAP), director of Didactic Education and associate professor of Physician Assistant Practice, was appointed to the PAEA exam development board. She was also appointed secretary of the Central Coastal Plains Association of PAs and Chair of the Regulatory SubCommittee of NCAPA.

DR. SUSAN MISCIAGNO, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences, was appointed as a board member of the Productive Aging Special Interest Section (PASIS) Standing Committee with the American Occupational Therapy Association.

DR. DAVID TILLMAN, chair and associate professor of Public Health, was invited to be a contributor to a post-pandemic recovery listening session on February 8 sponsored by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health as a thought leader in rural health and the community-level recovery efforts in the wake of COVID-19. He was also invited to attend Impact Circle Convening, a gathering of thought leaders on faith and health from across the nation with the goal of creating a framework for increasing the impact of faith communities on the health of our communities.

DR. K. PAIGE D. BROWN, director of Interprofessional Education, has been asked to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Nexus Summit 2024, which is the premier national conference for IPE.

Class Notes

Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes recent graduates in each of the CPHS departments who exemplify excellence in their profession and community. This year’s recipients are: JORDAN BALLOU (’15 PHARMD), ANDREW CURRIN (’17 MBA, ’16 MSPH, ’14 BSCR), ASHLEY NORDAN (’22 MHPE, ’13 MPAP/MSCR)

Student Achievements

KATIE TANJI (’24 DPT CANDIDATE) recently received a $1,300 grant from the American Physical Therapy Association to purchase multiple Pilates arcs. The Pilates arcs will be used for a variety of diagnoses across the lifespan to promote improved functional outcomes. Students will have the opportunity to use them in their labs and in the Pro Bono Clinic.

SHANTAVIA EDMONDS (’25 PHARMD/ MSPH CANDIDATE) left won first runner-up and alternate and GABBY GILLETT (’26 PHARMD CANDIDATE) right won first place winner in the 2024 local APhA-ASP Patient Counseling Competition. Gabby came in first place for two-years in a row.

LIZ LOCKHART (‘26 PHARMD/MSPH CANDIDATE) and ELFREDA DZUKEY (‘25 PHARMD/MBA CANDIDATE) had the opportunity to represent Campbell University on Capitol Hill for National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT day.

ARICELA GAGAZA (’25 BSPS CANDIDATE) is the 2023 Campbell University scholarship recipient of the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program, which offers a unique educational opportunity to young women.

Jordan Ballou (’15 PharmD) Andrew Currin (’17 MBA, ’16 MSPH, ’14 BSCR)

Ashley Nordan (’22 MSHP, ’13 MPAP/MSCR)

HOLDEN COX (’23 DPT) was named vice president of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the American Physical Therapy Association of North Carolina.

SHELBY FERARA (’23 BSN) started a new job in June 2023 as a Staff 3 Hematology & Oncology Pediatrics Registered Nurse at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC.

TAYLOR WALL GUIDI (’21 BSCR) started a new job on January 22, 2024, as a Clinical Research Associate with Medpace in Raleigh, NC.

HOPE TURNER HARTSELL (’20 BSN) married MASON HARTSELL (’20 BSN) on November 18, 2022.

BRITTANY EVANS JACKSON, FNP-C (’21 BSN) earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Chamberlain University in December 2023. She recently began working as a nurse practitioner with Carolina Quick Care in Clinton, NC.

SHELBY DIACHENKO JOUPPI (’20 DPT) married Dan Jouppi in Raleigh, NC on March 26, 2022. She is a staff physical therapist with Full Circle Physical Therapy in Charlotte, NC.

HOLLY NUNN (’02 PHARMD) started a new job on October 1, 2023, as a Licensed Medicare and Health Insurance Agent with Harper Nunn Consulting.

KRISTIE OSBORNE (’05 PHARMD) was named Pharmacy Manager of the Year for Walmart’s Market 311. She practices in the Wytheville, VA location.

SARAH EGGERS RUSSELL (’17 PHARMD) and ALAN RUSSELL (’16 BSCR) along with big brother, Caleb, welcomed Ruby Katherine to the family on November 20, 2023.

ELIZABETH SALVINI (’22 BSN) was the DAISY Award winner in September 2023 at WakeMed, where she works as an RN in the Cary Hospital.

SAVANNA SCOTT (’21 PHARMD) started a new job on August 30, 2023, as an Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News VA.

TRISTYN CARTRETTE SOLES (’20 PHARMD) married Lance Soles on April 22, 2023.

KAYLA ZMAYEFSKI (’20 BSN) earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Georgetown University in December 2023 and is now a certified Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG).

HOMECOMING Save the date.

A Message from Will

I continue to be amazed by the support that our alumni and friends show the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Many of you support us daily, some without even realizing it. You may support us by proudly telling others about your time at Campbell, precepting a student on a rotation, or simply by wearing a t-shirt with Campbell displayed across the chest. We don’t know about all of the ways our 5,500+ CPHS alumni support us, but we do hear and see many of them.

Last month we had the opportunity to recognize two different groups of people who support the College and the work we are doing. We hosted the 2024 CPHS Scholarship & Awards Luncheon where students, donors, alumni, and friends gathered to recognize those who have given generously to support students through scholarships, the student scholarship recipients, and alumni leaders. For the 2023-2024 academic year CPHS awarded more than 200 scholarships accounting for more than $2 million in scholarship funds. These funds are instrumental in supporting our students and the mission of Campbell University.

During the luncheon the CPHS Alumni Association Board of Directors also had the opportunity to recognize three alumni with the Emerging Leader Award. This award honors recent graduates in each of the CPHS departments who exemplify excellence in their profession and community. The recipients of these awards were nominated by faculty from their programs or alumni board members and then voted on by the CPHS Alumni Board.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our mission.

WILL BRATTON (’11 BA, MA) Director of Advancement