May 5, 2014


At the College of Pharmacy, leadership is measured in units of achievement.

To nurture these leadership skills in PharmD students, the College of Pharmacy sponsors a Leadership Scholars Program (LSP). LSP is a co-curricular educational program that recruits PharmD students based upon three criteria: demonstrated leadership in College life; academic record; and poise and clarity during the rigorous interviewing process.

The program began with alumnus Fred W. Lyons, BSPharm’57, and his wife Dee, who funded a leadership scholarship in 2005. Their vision was that clinically trained health professionals should play significant leadership roles in business and public policy in addition to direct patient care. 
 

The LSP prepares PharmD students for leadership roles in 4 ways:

  • Helping students identify and develop their leadership strengths through education and training;
  • Practicing leadership skills in diverse settings to improve self-confidence;
  • Fostering participants’ ability to affect positive change while striving for personal excellence;
  • Recognizing student achievement through scholarships provided by alumni donors.

A core set of values permeates LSP, which include:

  • A desire to take on new challenges;
  • A commitment to personal growth;
  • The practice of creative and innovative thinking;
  • The cultivation of respect for teammates and others.

Independent study, group-based learning, impromptu and formal presentations, giving and receiving feedback, case and book discussions, guest speakers, and assignment of formal professional mentors is evident throughout this program.

Professionalism is enhanced by activities such as learning how to choose a professional wardrobe, dinner etiquette, CV and cover letter review, and mock interviews.

In addition to their regular academic workload, students selected for the program accept a busy agenda. For example, P3 students prepare for and participate in monthly business-style Saturday morning meetings held during the academic year. While working on their PharmD Investigations project, P4 students also work with a mentor on an independent leadership. These projects address issues related to leadership, entrepreneurship, profession-specific topics, and other mutually agreed upon projects.

Both P3 and P4 students participate in special projects and challenges designed to contribute value to College of Pharmacy programs and services. They also attend special meetings and networking events with administrators, alumni, and others throughout the academic year.


Current LSP Scholarships

Elise Katz-Rouhier Memorial Scholarship 
     ($2,500) for P2s advancing to their P3 year
Fred and Dee Lyons Leadership Scholarship 
     ($10,000) for P3s advancing to their P4 year
Gloria Niemeyer Francke Excellence Scholarship 
     ($5,000) for P3s advancing to their P4 year
Charles R. Walgreen Jr. Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholarship 
     ($5,000) for P3s advancing to their P4 year
Joseph D. Williams Leadership Scholarship 
     ($5,000) for P3s advancing to their P4 year