Mercer, GCSU sign pharmacy transfer admission agreement

MILLEDGEVILLE — Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Georgia College & State University recently signed a transfer admission agreement that will enable Georgia College students to receive priority applicant status for the College of Pharmacy's Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Under the terms of the agreement, students in this pathway program will complete their prerequisites and part of their bachelor's degree requirements at Georgia College before enrolling in Mercer's Pharm.D. program. They will then be able to transfer back the first year of Mercer's Pharm.D. program credits to fulfill the requirements for their bachelor's degree at Georgia College.

"A significant number of our students have expressed an interest in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy," said Dr. Sayo Fakayode, chair of Georgia College's Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy. "This agreement provides a clear pathway for students to elevate their careers while improving health outcomes for residents across the state of Georgia and beyond."

An advantage of the program is that it will save Georgia College students a year in earning their bachelor's degrees. The program also provides enhanced advising from a Mercer pre-pharmacy adviser each year of their undergraduate studies.

"We are delighted to partner with Georgia College on this agreement," said Mercer College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Brian Crabtree. "It advances mutual interests of both institutions in providing opportunities to talented students to reach their goals of becoming a pharmacist sooner and, ultimately, improving the health of people and communities where they serve."

Representatives of the University, College of Pharmacy and Georgia College gathered at Georgia College in Milledgeville on May 10 for a formal signing of the agreement.

About the College of Pharmacy

Mercer University's College of Pharmacy is ranked the top private pharmacy school in the Southeast, according to the 2020 U.S. News & World Report. The college offers doctoral degrees in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and pharmaceutical sciences (Ph.D.). Founded in 1903 as the independent Southern School of Pharmacy, the school merged with Mercer University in 1959 and in 1981 became the first school in the Southeast to offer the doctor of pharmacy degree as its sole professional degree. In 1988, the College launched its graduate program, offering the Ph.D. degree in pharmaceutical sciences. With an enrollment today of more than 500 students and a distinguished faculty of basic scientists and clinicians, the College of Pharmacy houses four centers focusing on research, teaching and learning. The college's motto, "A Tradition of Excellence – A Legacy of Caring," frames its philosophy of providing excellent academic programs in an environment where every student matters and every person counts. For more information about the college, visit pharmacy.mercer.edu.

About Mercer University

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. With approximately 9,000 students enrolled in 12 schools and colleges, on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta; medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus; and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties, Mercer is ranked among the top tier of national research universities by U.S. News & World Report. The Mercer Health Sciences Center includes the University's School of Medicine and Colleges of Nursing, Health Professions and Pharmacy. Mercer is affiliated with five teaching hospitals – Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Medical Center in Macon; Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah; and Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare in Columbus. The University also has an educational partnership with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. It operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer Medicine, the clinical faculty practice of the School of Medicine, is based in Macon and operates additional clinics in Sumter, Peach, Clay, Putnam and Harris counties. Mercer is one of only 293 institutions nationwide to shelter a chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation's most prestigious academic honor society; one of eight institutions to hold membership in the Georgia Research Alliance; and the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit mercer.edu.

About Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, and a place where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced, global society. As one of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia, GCSU prepares leaders, problem solvers and life-long learners for successful careers with an expansive education focused on critical thinking. GCSU has undergraduate degrees in 40 majors and 34 graduate programs, including doctorates in education and nursing. The university also provides professional certificates and continuing education programs. With smaller classroom sizes, GCSU provides personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences. Through its teaching, research and service, GCSU enriches the lives of students and their local and global communities. For more information, visit us online at www.gcsu.edu.