ATLANTA — When the 145 members of Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Class of 2010 receive their white coats at the College’s annual White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 17, they will see newly-designed logo patches to reflect the College’s new name. Approximately 570 pharmacy students will be wearing the logos on their coats in more than 175 locations in the metro Atlanta area as they participate in their practice experiences.
The 103-year-old pharmacy school had its name officially changed from Southern School of Pharmacy on July 1, 2006. The College’s new physician assistant program – slated to begin in fall 2007 – is one of the reasons for the name change.
“This change reflects the additional health science offerings that will be beneficial to our students and University in fostering inter-professional education,” said H.W. “Ted” Matthews, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and vice president for the health sciences.
About Mercer University and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences:
Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has a century-long tradition of excellence and a national reputation for producing outstanding leaders in the profession of pharmacy. In addition to having one of the largest concentrations of pharmaceutics Ph.D. students among private colleges in the United States, the College consistently has one of the largest Pharm.D. applicant pools in the nation. Previously known as Southern School of Pharmacy, the College changed its name in July 2006 to better reflect additional health science offerings. In fall 2007, the College is slated to begin offering a master of medical science degree at the completion of its new physician assistant program.
Founded in 1833, Mercer University has campuses in Macon and Atlanta as well as regional academic centers in Douglas County, Henry County, Macon and Eastman. With 11 schools and colleges, the University offers programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, theology and music. For 16 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Mercer University as one of the leading universities in the South.
