LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD ’93, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences’ Alumni Association during the institution’s 25th Anniversary Gala on April 28 at Artspace in Raleigh.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established by the Alumni Association Board of Directors to recognize former students who have demonstrated exemplary achievement professionally and through service to the College. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award given by the Association. Kennedy is the second recipient of the award.
“Campbell University gave me the training and opportunity to develop my skills as a pharmacist and it is with great appreciation and humility, that I am able to accept this award,” Kennedy said. “Over the years, the students and residents that I precepted have continued to challenge and motivate me and to have a former student nominate me was the highest honor.”
In her nomination letter, Mona Benrashid, PharmD ’10, stated, “Despite her involvement in the profession of pharmacy nationally, LeAnne is a Fighting Camel at heart as evidenced by her dedication to the education of Campbell pharmacists and her continued involvement in the Alumni Association.”
Kennedy works as a clinical specialist for inpatient hematology and oncology and serves as director of the PGY2 oncology residency at Wake Forest Baptist Health (WFBH) in Winston-Salem, N.C. She received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Campbell University’s then School of Pharmacy in 1993, followed by a pharmacy practice residency at WFBH.
Kennedy is regarded as a leader in the profession of pharmacy across the country. She serves as a founding member of the Hematology and Oncology Pharmacy Association and in 2001 founded the North Carolina Oncology Pharmacist Association. She has held multiple leadership roles within the American Society Blood and Marrow Transplant, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, America Society of Clinical Oncology, American Pharmacists Association, and North Carolina Association of Pharmacists. She has also been active with the College’s Alumni Association, serving as president in 2004.
Despite her busy schedule, Kennedy fosters the growth of future pharmacists and medical professionals by serving as an adjunct faculty member and precepter for several universities, including Campbell. She has been recognized twice by Campbell’s pharmacy students as preceptor of the year.
“Pharmacists have benefitted from her knowledge, from her extensive number of presentations across the country, her peer-review publications and her research. She has mentored and nurtured the professional and personal growth of many student pharmacists, residents and new practioners,” said Alumni Association President Leigh Foushee, PharmD ’00, during the award presentation.
In addition to her dedication to the profession and her alma mater, Kennedy is committed to the community. She has taught the children's choir at her church since 1999, and became involved as a Sunday school teacher in 2008. Kennedy has completed several medical mission trips and has also been involved with the Susan B. Koman Race for the Cure, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, United Way and Crisis Control Pharmacy.
Photo: Alumni Association President Leigh Foushee, PharmD ’00, presents LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD ’93, with the Distinguished Alumni Award.