The Walker Leadership Scholars program has selected its newest scholars for the Class of 2027, Noah Raganschmalz and Alex Wetherley.
Two students are selected each year through a competitive application and interview process. These students take part in an accelerated program to guide them through leadership development, added experiential opportunities, networking and mentorship.
The program, founded by College of Pharmacy alumna Donna J. Walker, prepares the students to serve as advocates and professionals who can address complex health care issues through activities such as attendance at national meetings, learning about state and national legislative processes, and working with pharmacy leaders.
Being a scholar and eventual peer in the Walker Leadership Scholars provides avenues of growth that far exceed the aspirations I had for myself ...
Noah Raganschmalz served nearly ten years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear electrician. Having worked as a pharmacy technician during high school, he decided to pursue his Doctor of Pharmacy degree because of his already developed interest in the integration of various fields and a career that could impact change in the health of the community.
“Being a scholar and eventual peer in the Walker Leadership Scholars provides avenues of growth that far exceed the aspirations I had for myself at the beginning of my P1 year in pharmacy school,” he says. “The investment that the members of the advisory board have made in me through my selection will amplify my ability to thrive as a future pharmacist and provide me with invaluable support in my career and personal life as well.”
Raganschmalz hopes that taking part in the Walker Leadership Scholars program will allow him to one day give back to the profession.
“I would like to be able to look back 15 to 20 years from now and see a legacy of leadership, service, and community growth rooted in this experience. Now that I get to be a part of this amazing family of pharmacists and leaders, I know without a doubt that, with their help, I will be able to cultivate my leadership skills and proudly represent the university as a leader in pharmacy,” he adds.
Becoming aware of the plethora of opportunities for us to utilize our unique skills to make an impact on the profession of pharmacy has me excited for the next steps in my professional career ...
Alex Wetherley joined the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy through the Gamecock Pharmacy Assurance pathway. He chose to pursue pharmacy as a career after learning more from family and friends who are also in the profession and because of his interests in multiple areas of health care including pediatrics and critical care.
Alex’s selection to the Walker Leadership Scholars program has motivated him to learn as much as possible about leadership.
“Becoming aware of the plethora of opportunities for us to utilize our unique skills to make an impact on the profession of pharmacy has me excited for the next steps in my professional career and leadership development,” he says. “I am eager to contribute to the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, as well as other pharmacy related organizations and societies, alongside all the previous and current Walker Leadership Scholars.”
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Walker Leadership Scholars, Student Experience