East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy earned multiple national honors and individual distinctions at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California, in March – underscoring the college’s continued excellence in student leadership, service and professional achievement.
Among the highlights, the college’s APhA–Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter was recognized as the National Award Winner for its Operation Substance Use Disorders (OSUD) committee. It’s the chapter’s third consecutive national first-place award, and its seventh national championship overall, extending an extraordinary 13-year streak of national or regional recognition for the initiative.
Together, these honors reflect a sustained commitment to addressing substance use disorders through education, outreach and community engagement.
Dr. Sarah Thomason, chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, has overseen the group’s many national recognitions since its inception in 2012.
“This recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our student pharmacists to Operation Substance Use Disorder and their deep commitment to serving our medically underserved Appalachian communities,” said Thomason. “Their work continues to make a meaningful impact by saving lives, reducing opioid overdoses and strengthening community health.
“They exemplify what it means to be leaders and changemakers in addressing this critical public health challenge.”
Fourth-year student Christina Tarasidis, chair of Operation Substance Use Disorder, was ecstatic about the honor.
“Receiving this national recognition is an incredible honor,” said Tarasidis. “Operation Substance Use Disorder means so much to me and to our dedicated co-chairs, liaison and committee members, who have worked tirelessly to serve our community through harm reduction and patient advocacy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help reduce stigma, promote safe medication practices, and expand access to lifesaving resources.”
In addition, the chapter was named Division AAA Chapter Achievement Award Winner, marking the third time Gatton has earned the top honor within its division. The chapter has also placed as first or second runner-up on four additional occasions.
Adding to the college’s national honors, Dr. Katelyn Alexander was named an APhA Fellow, one of just 16 individuals selected nationally. The fellowship is among the profession’s highest honors, recognizing outstanding contributions to pharmacy practice, sustained professional service and leadership within the field.
Gatton’s presence at the meeting also highlighted strong student leadership and engagement. First-year student Jaylin Senk served as a delegate representing the chapter at the national meeting, contributing to APhA-ASP governance and advocacy efforts.
These achievements reflect ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy’s ongoing commitment to excellence in professional service, leadership development and national impact within pharmacy education and practice and the university’s role as the flagship institution of Appalachia.
Learn more at etsu.edu/pharmacy.
