National rankings in academics, research funding highlight school’s recent accomplishments
The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy once again ranked in the top 25 nationally in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report survey of best pharmacy schools.
UM tied at No. 23 among public institutions and No. 24 overall in the most recent release. The rankings are based on peer assessments from all accredited pharmacy schools and published every four years.
“Our top 25 ranking is a testament to the dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other partners we are fortunate to have at Ole Miss pharmacy,” said David D. Allen, dean of the pharmacy school. “We continue to have exceptional classroom and experiential learning experiences along with outstanding research opportunities that prepare our graduates to be health care leaders.”
The school rose to sixth in the nation in external research funding for 2018, according to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Research funding reached $21.2 million, placing the School of Pharmacy second in the Southeastern Conference and among the top 5 percent of pharmacy schools nationwide.
“The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy has long been held in the highest esteem among academics, health care professionals, researchers, and those associated with pharmaceutical science and practice throughout the nation,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said.
“This year’s ranking reflects its continuing excellence, which is due in part to the school’s active approach to redefining its curriculum and enhancing admissions avenues. I applaud Dean Allen for his leadership and thank the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and all those who have been champions for the school.”
The school also underwent a curriculum transformation beginning in the fall of 2018. Student pharmacists are in a modular, integrated curriculum based on major body systems that is focused on patient-centered care.
The Ole Miss pharmacy school also introduced new pathways for aspiring pharmacists to enter the program. Students can gain admission through the Sophomore Entry Program for university freshmen or the Preferred Admissions Program agreements with Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Tougaloo College, and Millsaps College.
The school continues to offer its Early Entry Program for high school seniors as well as regular entry into the professional program.
By Whitney Tarpy
