The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) at Campbell University celebrated the beginning of another academic year at its 31st convocation ceremony Friday, Aug. 19.
The convocation ceremony is a signature event for the College and serves as an official welcome to the university for students and faculty. Over 800 students were in attendance as greetings were brought from Campbell President J. Bradley Creed, Campbell pharmacy alumni, and current students in the pharmacy, public health/PA, and physical therapy programs.
Michael L. Adams, PharmD, PhD, dean of the College and acting vice-president for health programs, encouraged students to be centered in community, focused on excellence in education, and driven by discovery.
Adams, a 1996 graduate of the pharmacy program, also shared the wisdom of the late Jack Watts, considered by many as the “grandfather of pharmacy in North Carolina” and a long-time advocate of Campbell’s health programs.
“For the first twenty-nine convocations, Jack Watts would tell students to ‘Get Involved’,” said Adams. “That message still rings true today. Get involved on campus, in your classroom, and in your professional community.”
Students were addressed by keynote speaker Terry McInnis, MD. McInnis is the president and founder of Blue Thorn, Inc, a healthcare consulting firm that partners with clients on delivery systems and financial realignments that help transform the U.S. healthcare system into a viable and sustainable model.
McInnis shared personal experiences with patients and clients to demonstrate how ordinary encounters can transform lives, both with patients and with one’s self.
Additionally, the students of CPHS were addressed by their own – Jennifer Hughes (student pharmacist), Raleigh Dettlinger (dual public health/PA student), and Lauren McClellan ( student physical therapist). This group of students shared advice with incoming first-year students and offered words of encouragement for their classmates to approach upcoming academic challenges with focus, determination, and camaraderie.
About Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences: Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is committed to preparing students to excel in the ever-expanding world of health care. In addition to the doctor of pharmacy program, the College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in clinical research and pharmaceutical sciences, a master’s degree in public health, and professional degrees in nursing, physician assistant practice, and physical therapy.