Published on September 20, 2021 by Sarah Waller  
Pharmacy Class of 2025

Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy is less than two weeks away from its annual white coat ceremony, which honors its class of 2025 and officially welcomes them into the profession of pharmacy. While they are still relatively new to the program, the class is already setting records as the most diverse incoming class in the school’s history.

Forty-four percent of new students are comprised of historically underrepresented racial groups. In addition to being diverse, the class has impressive academic credentials, exceeding national averages. As a cohort, they represent 10 states, Puerto Rico and four countries, and collectively, students speak four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.

“I am extremely proud of this year’s entering class. While they are only a few weeks into the program, it is evident that they will make a meaningful impact as student pharmacists,” said Renee Dehart, professor and associate dean for student affairs. “I can’t wait to see them use what they learn here to impact the lives of individuals and communities.”

The Class of 2025 is also establishing history as the first cohort in the school’s practice and team ready curriculum, which is one of the most contemporary pharmacy curricula in the country. Designed to engage students through active learning and empower them to be strong critical thinkers, the curriculum builds upon immersive courses and real-world experiences.

“What this class has already accomplished before pharmacy school is incredible, and I look forward to seeing what they will achieve over the next four years,” said Michael Crouch, dean of McWhorter School of Pharmacy. “I’m confident they will leave their mark on McWhorter School of Pharmacy and take the school to higher levels.”

McWhorter School of Pharmacy will celebrate its Class of 2025 at its annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, October 1 at 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend in person at Shades Mountain Baptist Church or watch online at samford.edu/live.

At the ceremony, 91 first-year students will receive a white coat, and together as a class, they will recite the American Pharmaceutical Association's Pledge of Professionalism. Alumna Vanessa Gray ’91 will serve as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.