Q&A with Tucker A. Patterson, '92
Currently serving as director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Tucker A. Patterson cites his graduate research at USC as setting him on the path to this role.
Q&A with Michelle Stokes Cakley, '99
Michelle Stokes Cakley works as a pharmacist at South Carolina Oncology Associates, where she and other members of the clinical team help patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment.
Q&A with Sam Glenn, '20
Growing up with Gamecock pharmacist parents, Sam Glenn was well-versed in what it meant to work in retail pharmacy. It wasn’t until a visit to campus that he learned of the roles pharmacists can play in clinical settings.
Q&A with Taylor Ward, '16
Since graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, alumna and New Hampshire-native Taylor Ward has traveled the globe and landed back in New England, as a clinical pharmacist at Boston Medical Center caring for patients living with HIV.
Q&A with Amanda Capino, '14
Amanda Capino found a ‘home away from home’ at South Carolina, combining her passions as a pharmacy student and member of the famed Carolina Band. Following graduation and residency, Amanda began her career in pediatric pharmacy and academia at Ole Miss.
More alumni stories by career path:
Q&A with Amanda Capino, '14
Amanda Capino found a ‘home away from home’ at South Carolina, combining her passions as a pharmacy student and member of the famed Carolina Band. Following graduation and residency, Amanda began her career in pediatric pharmacy and academia at Ole Miss.
Q&A with Uche Ndefo, '04
Alumna Uche Anadu Ndefo remembers the moment in school it clicked for her that pharmacy touches the lives of real people. That realization has guided her through an accomplished career in academia and outcomes sciences.
Q&A with Christopher M. Bland, '00
Alumnus Christopher M. Bland measures his success by the meaningful relationships formed with colleagues and students throughout his career. After 15 years working in clinical pharmacy, he transitioned to his current role as a clinical professor at the University of Georgia.
Q&A with Montgomery Williams Green, '09
Alumna Montgomery Williams Green is an associate professor at Belmont University and pharmacy chair of a nationally-recognized Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Tennessee. She credits the top-tier pharmacy education she received at USC with helping her achieve it all.
Q&A with Caitlin Musgrave Mardis, '11
Alumna Caitlin Musgrave Mardis will tell you that from a young age, she's had a passion for teaching. Returning to her alma mater allowed her to lean into this passion, as both the Director of Continuing Education and a faculty member.
Q&A with Gene Reeder, ’73
Alumnus Gene Reeder insists his "blood runneth garnet." With a bachelor's degree in pharmacy (1973), master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences (1977), and doctorate in business administration (1983) from USC, it's no surprise he returned to teach and conduct research at his beloved alma mater.
Q&A with Ed Vess, '80
Alumnus George Edward "Ed" Vess, Jr., has experienced a variety of pharmacy fields over the course of his career, ultimately landing at RedSail Technologies, a leading provider of pharmacy software solutions headquartered in Spartanburg, SC.
Q&A with Lewis McKelvey, '84
Alumnus Lewis McKelvey is always on the move. From driving his motorcycle across the country to his work as president of McKelvey - Drummond Pharmacy Consultants, he always has something in the works.
Q&A with Ken Couch, '69
Alumnus Ken Couch began his pharmacy career as a part-time drug clerk at just 15 years old. By the time he retired in 2016, he was at the helm of a company bringing in $2.4 billion a year delivering technology and services to pharmacies across the country.
Q&A with Christi Epps, '97
Alumna Christi Epps' trailblazing spirit comes from her mother, who was one of the first women to graduate from the USC College of Pharmacy. She's continuing that legacy and inspiring future generations as a leader in the business of pharmacy.
Q&A with Donna J. Walker, ’79
Alumna Donna J. Walker created and endowed the Walker Pharmacy Leadership Scholars Endowment Fund, launching a student leadership initiative that identifies, educates, and recognizes pharmacy student leaders at USC.
Q&A with Michael Bedenbaugh, '12
Alumnus Michael Bedenbaugh saw his career come full circle when he became Director of Pharmacy Services Intramed Plus, the same place he had worked as an intern during pharmacy school.
Q&A with Sam Glenn, '20
Growing up with Gamecock pharmacist parents, Sam Glenn was well-versed in what it meant to work in retail pharmacy. It wasn’t until a visit to campus that he learned of the roles pharmacists can play in clinical settings.
Q&A with Taylor Ward, '16
Since graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, alumna and New Hampshire-native Taylor Ward has traveled the globe and landed back in New England, as a clinical pharmacist at Boston Medical Center caring for patients living with HIV.
Q&A with Devin Drummond, '18
Alumnus Devin Drummond works as a clinical pharmacist with Norton Sound Health Corporation, a tribally owned and operated, not-for profit health care organization serving the rural communities of the Bering Strait region.
Q&A with Sean Tran, '09
Alumnus Sean Tran set aside his childhood dream of joining the Jedi Order to pursue a career in pharmacy. Like his father before him, he's found joy in the clinical pharmacy profession.
Q&A with Chelsea Drennen, '19
Alumna Chelsea Drennen (2019 Pharm.D.) turned an inspiring fourth-year rotation experience into a postgraduate residency and then full-time pharmacist position at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Q&A with Eduardo Seijo, '11
Alumnus Eduardo “Eddie” Seijo may have stumbled into pharmacy by accident, but he soon found his calling – and his family – within the walls of our college. Eddie is currently the Acute Care Pharmacy Operations Director for Atrium Health.
Q&A with Krishnan Larkin Brown, '17
Alumna Krishnan Larkin Brown was completing a master’s degree when pharmacy school caught her eye. With two young children, strong motivation and a little bit of grace, she has navigated her way to a successful career in clinical pharmacy.
Q&A with Julia G. Mims, ’74, ’96
For alumna Julia G. Mims, education and perseverance were the keys to her dream career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – though “volunteer” is a title she holds equally important on her life's resume.
Q&A with Cory Jenks, '11
Alumnus Cory Jenks works as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. His passion for improvisational comedy led him to another unique role in the field of health care.
Q&A with Woodrow A. Bell, '87
As far back as he can remember, alumnus Woodrow Bell dreamed of being a doctor. Now he lives out that childhood dream providing accessible, compassionate care to underserved populations in the state.
Q&A with James Long, '70
If alumnus James "Jim" Long has learned anything from his decades of experience in pharmacy, it's to always keep looking forward. Jim retired in 2022 after a 30+ year tenure at Fort Jackson followed by 8 years of teaching in the College of Pharmacy.
Q&A with Jonathan McFall, '12
Alumnus Jonathan R. McFall sees his work as a chance to serve a higher purpose, which he does through both his civilian role on Fort Jackson and his service in the Army Reserves. When the first wave of COVID-19 hit, he was mobilized to help bolster the fight.
Q&A with Everett B. McAllister, '84
Alumnus and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Everett B. McAllister's illustrious career was built on a foundation of integrity, service and excellence – but it was an even deeper calling which directed his career path.
Q&A with Tucker A. Patterson ('92)
Currently serving as director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Tucker A. Patterson cites his graduate research at USC as setting him on the path to this role.
Q&A with Christine E. Bonarrigo, '20
Christine E. Bonarrigo's life experiences continue to drive her to help others. She currently works as a pharmacist for S.C. Department of Mental Health, among a variety of other roles.
Q&A with Melanie Lobel, '99
Alumna Melanie Lobel combines her pharmacy expertise with an M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina. She works at the intersection of these disciplines, serving as a consultant psychiatrist for Lexington Medical Center.
Q&A with Jordan Cooler Haygood, ’16
University of South Carolina alumna Jordan Cooler (2016 Pharm.D.) fulfills her passion for helping others by serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy and psychiatric pharmacist with USC Student Health Services.
Q&A with Leslie Register, '05
Alumna Leslie Register's optimistic outlook, practical skills and professionalism helped her land a role in the pharmacy benefits management industry.
Q&A with Pamela Quizon, ’19
Alumna Pamela Quizon graduated with a Ph.D. from the College of Pharmacy department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences. Her fluency in the biomedical sciences helped her design a unique career path in biotechnology marketing.
Interested in sharing your story?
Email us at alumni@cop.sc.edu to participate in a future alumni Q&A.