Student Organizations

Council of Students (COS)

President: Gabrielle McCall
Adviser: Dr. Lea Winkles

The Council of Students is an organization of elected COP students working for the furtherance of existing programs set forth by the preceding councils and for the attainment of various new goals set forth by the present council. All students of the College of Pharmacy are included in the student body organization. The Council of Students meets twice a month and acts as the official voice of the student body. Its objectives include establishing two-way communication between students and educators expressing views on pharmaceutical education. The Council strives to promote and perpetuate professionalism in all endeavors with adherence to the principles of ethical practice in all fields of healthcare. COS is available to all students for consultation and advice when needed and endeavors to consider all student opinions. Student involvement in institutional decision processes also is sought by student participation on various college committees. The COS also has an executive council consisting of the president, president elect, secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian and historian.

SPECIAL PROJECT

  • Fall and Spring Picnics

Forms for event and travel reimbursement, approval of fundraisers and donation solicitations are located on the Office of Student Affairs Canvas page. You must be logged in for the page to load.

American College of Clinical Pharmacy-Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP-SCCP)

President: William Turner
Adviser: Dr. Tyler Boyd
Facebook page

ACCP is a national organization that supports clinical practice, research, and education in pharmacy. Through our student chapter, ACCP-SCCP, we offer opportunities and guidance for clinically-oriented students who plan to pursue post-graduate training. We aim for our chapter and the opportunities provided by ACCP to help students acquire the knowledge, experience, skills, and networking needed to become well-trained clinical practitioners in their future careers through residencies and fellowships.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Residency Shadowing
  • Clinical Mentorship

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

President: Silvinya Yordanova
Adviser: Dr. Jill Augustine

The mission of the student chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy is to encourage education, development and promotion of the principles and practices of managed care pharmacy. The Mercer chapter was founded in 1997.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Annual Student Symposium
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics Competition
  • Sponsored Speakers
  • Annual Retreat

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

Chair: Sharvari Kshirsagar
Advisers: Dr. Martin D’Souza and Dr. Nasir Uddin
Facebook page

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) is a professional scientific association for members working in industry, academia, government, and research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS provides an international platform for scientists to exchange knowledge and enhance their contributions to public health. The association offers scientific programs, ongoing education, information resources, and opportunities for networking and professional development.

The AAPS-Mercer University Student Chapter was established in the summer of 2003 to encourage student participation in AAPS activities at local, regional, and national levels. Our mission is to support students in their professional career development by improving their knowledge, leadership, writing, and communication skills. The student chapter organizes various professional events, including journal clubs, scientist visits, Pharmabeat newsletters, an annual picnic, and instrument demonstrations. Everyone interested is welcome to join.

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

President: Tessa Kemp
Adviser: Dr. Jill Augustine
Facebook page

Founded in 1852, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is the first and largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA leads in providing professional information and education for pharmacists and advocates for improved public health through comprehensive pharmaceutical care.

APhA’s mission is to offer opportunities for professional growth, enhance patient care, and advance the future of pharmacy. The chapter collaborates closely with the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA). It provides numerous leadership opportunities within the chapter and at regional, national, and international levels, as well as national scholarships based on nomination or application.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)

President: Alexandra Owens
Adviser: Dr. Katelynn Mayberry
Facebook page

CPFI is an interdenominational organization that offers students a chance to gather for Christian fellowship. At meetings, we host a range of speakers, including local ministers, pharmacists, faculty members, and students. CPFI meets biweekly and sponsors lunches and other fellowship events. We welcome all students, faculty, and staff to join us.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (GSHP)/Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP)

President: Catherine-Anne Sanchez
Adviser: Dr. Lori Dupree
Facebook page

The GSHP-SSHP is an officially recognized student society of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Our mission is to increase student awareness of pharmacy practice in health systems, to inform students of career opportunities and credentialing needed for pharmacy practice in health systems, and to encourage membership and participation in GSHP and ASHP as a student and upon graduation.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • ASHP Clinical Skills Competition
  • Journal Clubs
  • Hospital Tours
  • Community Service
  • GSHP Summer Meeting at Amelia Island
  • ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting
  • Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

President: Jenny Nguyen Do
Adviser: Dr. Lea Winkles

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) includes three professional pharmacy fraternities at Mercer: Phi Delta Chi (male and female members), Kappa Psi (all male members) and Kappa Epsilon (all female members). As the governing body of these fraternities, IFC serves as a liaison between the fraternities and the school, advocating for the interests of both parties. These organizations offer opportunities for student leadership and professional development.

IFC hosts two key events each year: spring rush and the IFC formal. Rush takes place in January, providing an opportunity for students interested in joining the fraternities. The formal, held at the end of the spring semester, is open to all fraternity members on campus.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Annual IFC Banquet

Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO)

President: Julia Filip
Adviser: Dr. Jill Augustine

The student chapter of IPhO, established in 2019, believes that pharmacists’ scientific training, medical expertise, clinical acumend, patient focus and experiences as healthcare providers position them as leading candidates for pharmaceutical industry careers.

International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)

President: Jyles Ariadne Trinidad
Advisers: Dr. Jill Augustine
Facebook page

The mission of the Mercer University ISPOR Student Chapter is to educate students about the field of pharmacoeconomics, encourage students to become involved in research projects, and foster an environment where students can network with a variety of healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Benefit Concert – Toiletry Drive for Homeless
  • Research Skills Workshop
  • Thanksgiving Clothing Drive
  • Educational Seminars
  • Sponsored Speakers
  • ISPOR Annual International Meeting

Kappa Epsilon

President: Jazmine Harris
Adviser: Dr. Christine Klein

The Kappa Epsilon Fraternity was established to unite women pharmacy students across the United States. For over 90 years, Kappa Epsilon has been instrumental in the pharmacy profession by supporting personal and professional development through continuing education, providing networking opportunities, promoting pharmacy as a career, and participating in national projects such as breast and ovarian cancer awareness.

Kappa Epsilon Fraternity has initiated over 25,000 members, chartered 50 collegiate chapters, and established 21 alumni chapters. Currently, 43 collegiate chapters and 10 alumni chapters are actively engaged in their universities, colleges, and communities.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Kappa Psi

Regent: Adrian Ghadrdan
Advisers: Dr. Philip Mensah

Kappa Psi is a national fraternity consisting of approximately the 20 collegiate brothers, 7 professors, and several alumni spread across the nation, along with about 20 little sisters, faculty associates, and faculty alumni members.

F. Harvey Smith founded the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity on May 30th, 1879, at the Russell Military Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. Initially a Greek Letter Society, Kappa Psi evolved into a medical/pharmaceutical fraternity. In 1924, the brothers of Kappa Psi agreed to separate the fraternity based on profession, leading to the creation of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and Theta Kappa Psi Medical Fraternity. Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity set a precedent by becoming the first pharmaceutical fraternity to join the Professional Inter-Fraternity Conference in 1928.

Today, Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity boasts more than 46,000 brothers, with 96 collegiate chapters and 65 graduate chapters across North America. With its membership growing annually, Kappa Psi stands as the largest and most popular pharmaceutical fraternity in North America. The fraternity’s continued growth is attributed to the high caliber of students and leaders it has produced over the years.

Gamma Psi Chapter

The Gamma Psi chapter at Mercer University College of Pharmacy was established in 1953. As a member of the Atlantic Province, Gamma Psi includes 10 Southeastern chapters. Kappa Psi members at Mercer University College of Pharmacy actively participate in numerous school and national organizations. Our members build close relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and practitioners. These relationships help our members achieve their goals and aspirations in the pharmacy profession.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Student Chapter

President: Ashleigh Ewens
Adviser: Dr. Leisa Marshall
Facebook page

This organization is dedicated to preserving the practice of independent community pharmacy. The Mercer chapter of the American College of Apothecaries (ACA) was chartered in 1978 as the first student chapter. In 1991, it became the first combined ACA/NARD (National Association of Retail Druggists) chapter, and in 1996, it adopted the NCPA name. We encourage all students to join and participate in activities, including visiting local independent community pharmacies, providing community health services, and bridging the gap between the academic and practical aspects of pharmacy. Members stay informed about current topics in pharmacy practice through numerous publications from the parent organization.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

National Hispanic Pharmacists Association

President: Megan Rebollar
President-Elect/COS Representative: Jennifer Maldonado-Zuniga
Vice President – Thompson Le
Secretary: Taylor Richardson
Treasurer: Jenny Nguyen Do
Advisers: Dr. Renee Hayslett, Dr. Lea Winkles

Established in 2018, the National Hispanic Pharmacists Association (NHPA) aims to empower Hispanic pharmacists and other members to enhance the health of Hispanic populations through collaboration with public and private sector partners. NHPA’s vision is to become the leading pharmacy organization dedicated to improving the health of Hispanic populations in the United States.

Phi Delta Chi

Worthy Chief Counselor: Haley Nitz
Advisers: Dr. Lea Winkles and Dr. Nader Moniri

Phi Delta Chi (PDC) is the only co-ed professional fraternity among the three professional fraternities on campus. On average, there are around 65 members on campus, with an even distribution across each class. Pledging occurs in the spring semester and is open to first- and second-year students. Throughout the fall semester, each fraternity hosts multiple social events to help prospective pledges make their bid decisions. Our most famous social event, the Red Light Green Light Affair, takes place during the first week of school and is open to all students and guests.

Our national philanthropy is St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and every PDC chapter across the nation jointly fundraises to support this cause. PDC has chapters on pharmacy school campuses nationwide. To enhance networking and foster a sense of brotherhood, we hold national and regional meetings annually.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Phi Lambda Sigma

President: Raechelle Raymore
Adviser: Dr. Kenric Ware

Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the National Pharmacy Leadership Society, promotes leadership development, especially among pharmacy students. The Society encourages participation in all pharmacy activities through peer recognition.

Mission:

To support pharmacy leadership commitment by recognizing leaders and fostering leadership development.

  • Goal 1: Ensure the continuing availability of student and practitioner leaders for the profession of pharmacy.
  • Goal 2: Acknowledge leadership achievement and award membership to leaders recommended by the Society.
  • Goal 3: Enhance the talent, skill and effectiveness of leaders for the profession of pharmacy.
  • Goal 4: Support and encourage sustained leadership commitment.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Target Case Study
  • Leadership and Professionalism Seminars

Rho Chi

President: Rebecca Olisa
Advisers: Dr. Angela Shogbon

The Rho Chi Society is an academic honor society that recognizes academic excellence and advocates for critical inquiry in all aspects of pharmacy. The Society encourages high standards of conduct and fosters fellowship among its members. Additionally, the Society envisions its members being universally recognized as lifelong intellectual leaders in pharmacy.

How to become a member: To join Rho Chi, you must be in the top 20% of students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall coursework. You must also complete at least three semesters toward your Pharm.D. degree to be eligible for induction. Until then, we encourage you to strive for outstanding scholarship and professionalism.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Tutorial Program
  • CV and Resume Building Workshop
  • Dress for Success Fashion Show

Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)

President: Allison Oteju
Advisers: Dr. Kenric Ware
Facebook page

The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) is an educational and service organization for students focused on pharmacy issues, professional development, and increasing minority representation in pharmacy and other health-related professions.

SPECIAL PROJECTS