Beginning this fall, Jackson State University’s department of biology will partner with the University of Mississippi to give qualified JSU pre-pharmacy students preferred admission status to the UM School of Pharmacy.

“It’s a win-win,” said Timothy Turner, chair of the department of biology at Jackson State University in a statement released by the university.

“It is a tremendous opportunity for our students to enter directly into one of the numerous career choices within the field of pharmacy. While at the same time, this collaboration will also increase the cultural diversity within the field of pharmacy in this state and throughout the country.” 

For admission consideration, pre-pharmacy students at Jackson State will be required to complete established pre-pharmacy courses, have high academic performance and demonstrate a record of service activities.

Those who meet the requirements will be admitted to the preferred admission program after the first semester of their freshman year. Once students from the program are admitted, they will be on track to graduate on time and will be held to the same academic standards as all Ole Miss pharmacy students.

“We feel very strongly that creating these avenues and opportunities for students is essential to the future of our profession,” said David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “We hope this partnership will expand the applicant pool and offer more talented and passionate students the chance to make a difference in public health.”