Partnering with community educators and introducing students to pharmacy careers
By Deanna L. Kroetz, PhD, BS Pharm '85, dean and professor at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
The Ohio State University’s land-grant foundation is central to the College of Pharmacy’s mission to drive transformative education, research, practice and community engagement. Through our strategic partnerships, we are expanding access to pharmacy education and preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.
I’m excited to share some of the meaningful relationships we’ve built or strengthened over the past year—each one intentionally designed to extend our reach, enhance our research and elevate the pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences professions.
Sharing the possibilities in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Recruitment across our undergraduate, professional and graduate programs remains strong, but many students—especially in underserved urban and rural communities—are unaware of the variety of career paths in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Through the Pathways and Recruitment Opportunities for Pharmacy Exploration and Learning (PROPEL) study, funded by the McKesson Foundation, we’re actively partnering with educators in urban and rural areas throughout Ohio to expand educational and career opportunities for students.
In central Ohio, we collaborate with Cristo Rey High School, which exclusively serves low-income students. Their distinctive model combines a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with real-world work experience through partnerships with local businesses. At the same time, our outreach efforts with middle and high school teachers in Athens County allow us to engage students from the Appalachian region of Ohio—an area where pharmacy services and pharmacists are critically needed.
This summer, we will partner with CoverMyMeds, a local technology company focused on medication access and affordability, to welcome Columbus City Schools teachers as part of Ohio State’s STEAMM Rising Summer Institute. Participants will engage in hands-on pharmacy and science activities, meet faculty and tour research labs at the college before visiting CoverMyMeds for a “Shark Tank” challenge focused on solving real-world medication access issues.
Our outreach also involves direct interactions with middle and high school students. We have identified a new opportunity for interaction with students in a TriO Upward Bound program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where we can provide career education and opportunities for summer experiences at the college.
Out in the community, our partnership with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) brings pharmacy to life through engaging, hands-on outreach. The Learning Lab at COSI invites visitors of all ages to participate in activities like compounding simulations and demonstrations on antibiotic use, and to learn how pharmacists verify prescriptions—each showcasing a key role pharmacists play. Under faculty supervision, our undergraduate students not only lead these interactive exhibits but also conduct research on topics such as public health and drug advertising, making science accessible while gaining valuable real-world experience.
Expanding academic access to new students
For years, our Early Assurance Program (EAP) has allowed Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) students to secure a spot in our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and have the chance to graduate with both degrees in seven years. EAP allows us to reach undergraduate students early in their education and provide guidance, support and career exploration prior to entering the PharmD program.
This past academic year, we have focused on building and rebuilding EAPs with external institutions. We recently launched an EAP with Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU, and are relaunching one with Ohio University—both key to reaching students from urban and rural underrepresented communities with interest in the health sciences.
Through our strong partnership with Columbus State Community College, students can transfer credits from various associate degrees and certificates into our BSPS program, including a newly launched pathway with Columbus State’s Associate of Science in Biotechnology. As biotechnology and manufacturing grow in central Ohio, this program will support critical workforce development. Transitioning these students into the BSPS program will help produce highly skilled graduates for Ohio’s expanding science sector.
Additionally, we are actively expanding internship opportunities for our BSPS and PhD students within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Initial collaborations include local partners such as Amgen, CoverMyMeds and STAQ Pharma. Beyond internships, we’re exploring capstone projects that emphasize interdisciplinary, team-based experiences—key to preparing students for their future careers. We’re especially excited to engage our alumni in creating impactful internships and capstone experiences. If you're interested in partnering with us, please get in touch.
Strengthening our global partnerships
Our global partnerships continue to enrich the educational and research experiences of our students and faculty. In May, I traveled with Drs. Liva Rakotondraibe, Ema Cocucci and Mitch Phelps to National Taiwan University (NTU) to participate in their School of Pharmacy Research Day and International Conference. Our faculty presented research and mentored graduate students, reinforcing a long-standing collaboration that includes student and pharmacist exchanges.
We also maintain strong ties with Taiwan Medical University (TMU) and China Medical University (CMU). Last summer, several of our students attended a global pharmacy student conference at CMU, and more recently, we hosted visiting students from NTU and a pharmacist from TMU. These exchanges provide valuable cross-cultural learning and professional development opportunities.
Our international partnerships expand perspectives while fostering collaborative research and global engagement—essential elements in preparing our students to lead in a connected world. These global relationships are made possible by the generous alumni and donors who contribute to the Global Pharmacy Initiative.
Partnerships are critical
Reflecting on our partnerships reminds me that it truly takes a village to fulfill our mission. Our students need more than knowledge—they need critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems in a rapidly changing world. Through local and global partnerships, we not only elevate education and research—we empower the next generation to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.