Buies Creek, N.C.-Third-year Campbell University pharmacy student Richard Smith, Jr., of Sanford, N.C., was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on Thursday, June 26. Smith was simultaneously awarded a full scholarship for health professionals from the Air Force. Smith, who graduated from East Carolina University in 1998, will receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010, as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Clinical Research.Smith said he discovered that the Air Force offered the full two-year scholarship in 2007, but didn’t believe he would be a viable candidate until he did some research and applied. As a scholarship recipient, Smith must also fulfill a service commitment. Upon graduation, he will be commissioned at the rank of Captain.”It’s a wonderful opportunity for me,” Smith said. “I can serve as a health care provider while I also serve my country.”Smith and his wife Jennifer have an 18 month-old son Cole. Smith’s mother and stepfather Barbara and Wilbur Longmire of Durham and mother and father in-law Jane and Jim Cole, of Sanford, were on hand for the commissioning service. Smith is the son of Richard Smith, Sr. and the stepson of Stuart Smith of New Hill, N.C.Photo Copy: Third-year Campbell pharmacy student Richard Smith receives his commission as an Air Force Second Lieutenant and a full two-year scholarship from the United States Air Force on Thursday, June 26. Smith was commissioned by Army Col. William Pickard, associate professor of pharmacy and director of Student Affairs for the Campbell University School of Pharmacy Master of Science in Clinical Research program.
Pharmacy student receives full scholarship and military commission