CU College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences welcomes Class of 2013 with white coat ceremony

Buies Creek – Campbell University’s School of Pharmacy officially welcomed 108 new students into its doctoral program on Sunday, August 9. Each of the students was presented with a white coat, with the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences emblem.

“This white coat is a symbol of your commitment to the pharmacy profession,” Dean Ronald Maddox, PharmD., said to the Campbell University School of Pharmacy Class of 2013. “The white coat symbolizes professionalism, integrity, high moral values, high standards, empathy, compassion and humanness.”

Selected from more than 2,000 applicants, the new P1 students have successfully navigated a rigorous application process — based on strong academic records, interviews and practical experience.

During their time at Campbell, students will be required to wear the white coat in all clinical situations. Though new students are issued short white coats, they will be allowed to wear a knee-length coat upon graduation.

“My coat and I traveled many miles together and witnessed many examples of professionalism,” said keynote speaker, Dr. Dina Adams, president of the Pharmacy Alumni Association.

Adams offered the students etiquette techniques for their rotations that can be carried throughout their pharmacy careers. She advised them to always have an extra clean, white coat and to dress professionally, treat people equally and have respect for their instructors and classmates.

“Starting today you represent the college and the profession you have chosen,” she said. “I encourage you to accept responsibility of this challenge.”

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences was established in 1986 as the first new school of pharmacy to open in the United States in 35 years. The school is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Additional courses are taught at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Department of Clinical Research located on Campbell University’s RTP campus.

Photo Copy: Jonathan Beam shakes hands with Dr. Ronald Maddox, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, after receiving his white coat. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough.)