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Ryan Walker – Spotlight

March 8, 2023 0 comments admin
  • Class of 2002
  • Tulsa, OK
  • Healthcare Specialty Supervisor, Walgreens Boots Alliance
  • Pharmacy Alumni Association Council Member

When asked what do you like most about being a pharmacist, Ryan said,

“The thing I enjoy about being a community pharmacist (and community pharmacy) is that no 2 days have ever been the same in 20 years. Things are always fresh, and I am constantly challenged to learn and work smarter.” 

Ryan is a Healthcare Specialty Supervisor (Oklahoma, New Mexico and West Texas) with Walgreens Boots Alliance. He stated, “Healthcare is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Be ready to adapt quickly to change, no matter where you find yourself practicing.” He graduated from Weatherford High School then attended the University of Tulsa. His sophomore year, he realized that he wanted to pursue a PharmD and transferred to SWOSU. During his time at SWOSU as a pharmacy student, he was involved in ASHP. Currently, he is a member of the Pharmacy Alumni Association Council as well as a Pharmacy Alumni Association Lifetime Member. Now he resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his wife, LaKrisa (also a SWOSU grad), son Julian, and daughters Noelia and Alora (as pictured). To learn more about Ryan, read the information below.

Hometown Weatherford
High School Weatherford
Current/Past involvement (memberships, committees, etc) with SWOSU and/or the College of Pharmacy (including Pharmacy Alumni Association or Pharmacy Foundation), since graduation SWOSU CoP Dean’s Advisory Council; SW Pharmacy Alumni Council Member; Lifetime Member of SW Pharmacy Alumni Association
Community/Civic Activities, Special Interests, etc. OK BoP Tech. Immunization Committee (2022), OKBoP Temperature Excursion Committee (2022), American Heart Association Eastern Oklahoma Leadership Board, American Diabetes Association past President and Chairman Eastern Oklahoma Leadership Board, Adjunct Faculty-University of Tulsa Oxley College of Health Sciences
What made you choose pharmacy as your degree? As a native of Weatherford, I was always familiar with the prestige of the SWOSU College of Pharmacy.  In addition, my sister, Dana, was an alumnus of SWOSU CoP and one of my good friends, Dusty Harms, was in the pharmacy program.  During my sophomore year at the University of Tulsa, I discovered that I enjoyed Chemistry far more than Biology, and at TU, the engineering majors were envied due to job placement and starting salaries.  One evening while studying for finals (at the computer lab), I read an article about the top earning majors upon graduation.  The only thing higher than engineering was pharmacy.  That week (Spring 1997), I decided that I would transfer in the Fall to SWOSU to pursue my Pharm.D. while saving a ton of tuition money.
What is the most interesting job you’ve had and why? During Summer in my undergraduate years, I worked for the City of Weatherford Water Department.  I don’t know that the job itself was that interesting; however, those Summers were invaluable in creating my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.  I learned how to communicate with business professionals as well as blue collar employees.  I also learned a lot of “handy” skills in the process!
What do you like most about being a pharmacist? The thing I enjoy about being a community pharmacist (and community pharmacy) is that no 2 days have ever been the same in 20 years.  Things are always fresh, and I am constantly challenged to learn and work smarter.
Who is your favorite and/or most memorable pharmacy teacher, and why? This one is really tough, because so many of our professors are excellent.  My favorite class was definitely JP with Van Dusen. For whatever reason, law “clicked” for me in a way that some other things did not.  Dr. Van Dusen also made the class really interesting, which is hard to do with law!  
What is your best memory of your time at SWOSU? I never gave JC Cowboys enough credit…. it was truly one of the best roadhouses in America.  We had a lot of fun, celebrated a lot of successes, and shared a few sorrows through the years.
What is your funniest memory of your time at SWOSU? Our first semester was also Dr. Ramos’ first year at SWOSU.  Coming from Maryland, I don’t think he was informed about how tornado sirens worked and when those seasons occurred.  During class, there was some kind of siren noise outside of CPP building–  his lecture came to a halt as he anxiously walked to the windows and asked if a tornado was coming.
Where was your favorite place to study or hangout during pharmacy school? The pharmacy student lounge
What is the most important thing you learned in pharmacy school? Intense education on OTC drugs (Dr. Pray).  This skill is something that is used multiple times per day, and most patients (and providers) find a ton of value in pharmacists to help with these consultations.
What is one thing you know now you wish you knew in pharmacy school? The importance of being present with your family and loved ones.  During school, everything was hyper focused around studying and attending class.  I wish I would have spent more quality time with family during school.
What are your current hobbies/travels/activities? outdoor projects/landscaping, college football
Complete this sentence: “One thing you probably didn’t know about me is….” I was halfway to an Anthropology degree before deciding to attend SWOSU.
What is your proudest accomplishment since leaving SWOSU? Having the privilege of working with and hiring pharmacists in Eastern Oklahoma and NW Arkansas since 2006.  I love having this network of colleagues.
What advice would you give a current pharmacy student? Healthcare is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.  Be ready to adapt quickly to change, no matter where you find yourself practicing.
List family members that also graduated from SWOSU: LaKrisa Walker (spouse), Ronnie Walker (dad), Dana Berryhill (sister), Boone and Alyssa Walker (nephew and spouse)
List immediate family names: LaKrisa (wife), Julian (son), Noelia (daughter), Alora (daughter)

Posted: March 8, 2023

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Krista Brooks – Dr. H.F. Timmons Award Recipient 2022

March 2, 2023 0 comments admin

Krista Brooks – Dr. H.F. Timmons Award Recipient 2022

  • Class of 2008
  • Weatherford, OK
  • Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at SWOSU College of Pharmacy

The SW Pharmacy Alumni Association Award recognizes a SWOSU College of Pharmacy faculty, staff or administration member who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to SWOSU, the College of Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Alumni Association, and the Community – just like Dr. Timmons did throughout his lifetime. The 2022 Recipient is Krista Brooks of Weatherford, OK.

After graduating from Hollis High School, Krista attended SWOSU in Weatherford Oklahoma and received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. She began her professional career as a high school science teacher for three years, before returning to SWOSU to pursue her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. After receiving her pharmacy degree in 2008, she worked as a pharmacist at Swann’s Pharmacy in Watonga for two years, and then accepted a residency position at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Oklahoma City in 2010. Upon completion of her residency, she returned to SWOSU to combine her passion for healthcare and teaching as a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Currently, Dr. Brooks serves as an Associate Professor and is the course director for the Pharmacotherapy I, Drug Information, and Pharm Care Lab IV courses.

Krista has dedicated time serving the SWOSU College of Pharmacy through a variety of activities. She organizes several annual College of Pharmacy events including the SWOSU College of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony, the Pharmacy Back-to-School Picnic, and the SWOSU College of Pharmacy Influenza Clinics. She also enjoys serving as the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) chapter advisor. Her main goal as advisor is to help students find ways to be involved and become leaders in pharmacy. Each academic year, she helps students plan and execute a variety of educational and clinical events both on and off campus that support numerous APhA-ASP Operations. She also mentors students by helping them prepare resolutions for APhA-ASP Midyear Regional Meetings and has helped students create poster presentations for National APhA Annual Meetings. Other professional events that she helps coordinate include the APhA Patient Counseling Competition and the ACCP Clinical Research Challenge competition. She also served as the chair of the SWOSU College of Pharmacy 75th Anniversary Planning Committee (a committee of volunteers) for the pharmacy school’s largest 3-day event held to date, sponsored by the SW Pharmacy Foundation and the Pharmacy Alumni Association. Always going above and beyond, she can be found volunteering at the Pharmacy Open House on Homecoming Day, giving tours and visiting with alumni.

In addition to being actively involved in numerous university and college committees, Krista serves as one of the SWOSU College of Pharmacy Strategic Planning co-coordinators and is a member of the SWOSU Strategic Plan Review Team. She is a member of the ACPE Accreditation Steering Committee and the Accreditation Monitoring Committee.

She is an advocate for opioid awareness and has helped many pharmacy students prepare and present educational sessions over Opioid Overdose and Narcan Training to first year pharmacy students, incoming SWOSU freshmen, resident advisors for the dorms, and the SWOSU campus police. She has coordinated several Drug Take-Back events on the SWOSU campus and has provided opioid awareness information to the Leadership Weatherford group. She currently serves as the SWOSU College of Pharmacy Liaison for Oklahoma Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists.

For the past 11 years, Krista has regularly volunteered as a pharmacist and preceptor at the Agape Free Medical Clinic in Weatherford. She also volunteered at the SWOSU Covid-19 Vaccine clinics. Other community service includes helping with Vacation Bible School and previously teaching Sunday School at the United Methodist Church.

Krista was recognized as the 2020 SWOSU Faculty Member of the Year. She was also selected by the SWOSU College of Pharmacy students for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year award in 2016 and 2021.

She and her husband, Nathan, live in Weatherford and have two daughters, Karly, a student at SWOSU, and Kate, a student at Weatherford High School. Krista enjoys spending time gardening and traveling with her family.

Posted: March 2, 2023

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Robert (Mike) Liner – Humanitarian Award Recipient 2022

March 2, 2023 0 comments admin

Robert (Mike) Liner – Humanitarian Award Recipient 2022

    • Class of 1970
    • Lubbock, Texas
    • Retired; Active Volunteer

(Mike) is currently in Ukraine serving as a pharmacist for Samaritan’s Purse. This is not the first time that Robert Mike Liner has gone beyond the comfort and security of home to serve the needs of citizens around the world. Mike has been to Iraq during the war, to Italy when that country was devasted by Covid 19, to Mississippi to aid the hurricane and flooding victims. There are numerous other areas that Mike has given his time to serve others using his knowledge he received from SWOSU,” states one of the award nominators (4/11/22).

SWOSU Pharmacy Graduate (1970) Mike Liner of Lubbock (TX) was presented the 2022 Humanitarian Award at the Southwestern Pharmacy Alumni Recognition Ceremony on SWOSU Homecoming Day in October 2022. The Humanitarian Award recognizes a SWOSU pharmacy graduate who has impacted lives through service and dedication.

A Memphis (TX) High School graduate, Mike attended SWOSU and was a member of the Bulldog track team. In pharmacy school, he was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity and served on the Apothecary staff. After college graduation, he was a pharmacist at Lockhart Pharmacy (Memphis) and then owned Liner’s Pharmacy in Morton (TX) until 1981. He ventured into the banking industry, serving as President of First State Bank (Morton) and then CEO of City Bank Texas. He returned to the pharmacy profession as apart-time relief pharmacist and is now retired.

Mike’s desire to help others continued so he became certified as a member of DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) with Samaritan’s Purse as the pharmacist for the team, providing medical aid and supplies to people around the world who have been affected by wars, hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics. Most recently, he has served with this team in Ukraine. Additionally, he is the volunteer pharmacist for the New Legacy Home for Women in Lubbock, and a volunteer with Living Waters, digging water wells to provide water for citizens in foreign countries.

Additionally, Mike has been an Assistant Boy Scout Master and has also served on numerous boards and organizations, including but not limited to the Children’s Home of Lubbock Foundation and the Texas Boys Ranch Foundation. He was also a member of the football officiating staff for the Southwest Conference (1988-1995) and the Big 12 Conference (1996-2006). In 2009, he authored the book, “It’s Not All Black and White: From Junior High to the Sugar Bowl, an Inside Look at Football Through the Eyes of An Official”.

He and his wife, Dr. Suzanne (Suzie) Liner, live in Lubbock (TX) and they have five children: Mikella Newson, Russ Liner, Kristen Beck, Andrew Beck, and Jonathan Beck.

Posted: March 2, 2023

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Morgan Greutman – Young Professional Achievement Award Recipient 2022

March 1, 2023 0 comments admin

Morgan Greutman – Young Professional Achievement Award Recipient 2022

  • Class of 2015
  • Paris, TX
  • Clinical Inpatient Pharmacist at Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas

“Morgan has achieved remarkable accomplishments as a young professional. We are pleased to award the 2022 Young Professional Achievement Award to Morgan Greutman,” states a member of the Pharmacy Alumni Association Council.

SWOSU Pharmacy Graduate (2015) Morgan Greutman of Paris, Texas (formerly of Poteau, OK) was selected by the SW Pharmacy Alumni Association Alumni Awards Committee to receive the 2022 Young Professional Achievement Award. This award is presented to an SWOSU pharmacy graduate demonstrating outstanding professional achievement and graduated within the last ten years.

After her 2015 graduation with Magna Cum Laude honors from SWOSU, Morgan completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident training. Then she was named Clinical Staff Pharmacist at Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority. In 2017, she was named Project Director of the Addressing Opioid Overdose Deaths Program. While continuing to serve as Project Director, she was named Medication Safety Officer. Morgan is now the Clinical Inpatient Pharmacist at the Paris (TX) Regional Medical Center.

Since 2017, Morgan has been a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS). And in 2020, she completed the Institute for Safe Medical Safety Practices (ISMP) and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Medication Safety Certificate.

Morgan has received numerous awards, including the US Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Commendation Award in 2021, 2018, 2017, and 2016. Additionally, she was recognized as the 2020 Institute for Safe Medication Practices CHEERS Award and the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma’s Rural Health Educator of the Year in 2019. In addition, she was recognized as the Pharmacy Times Next Generation Pharmacist: Rising Star Finalist in October 2019.

During Morgan’s time as a pharmacy student at SWOSU, she was involved in Kappa Epsilon, OPhA, APhA, and the Apothecary staff. Morgan’s post-graduate professional service has included numerous presentations (state, regional and national), publications, and committees.

Morgan and her husband, Andrew, have two children, Nolen and Lorelei.

Posted: March 2, 2023

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Lori Henke – Professional Achievement Award Recipient 2022

March 1, 2023 0 comments admin

Lori Henke – Professional Achievement Award Recipient 2022

    • Class of 1987
    • Amarillo, TX
    • Director of Pharmacy at Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo

“Lori’s achievements and her excellence in the pharmacy profession truly reflects what our Professional Achievement Award intends to recognize,” states Interim Dean, Dr. Les Ramos.

SWOSU Pharmacy Graduate (1987) Lori Henke of Amarillo (TX) was recognized by the SW Pharmacy Alumni Association and the SWOSU College of Pharmacy with the 2022 Professional Achievement Award. This award recognizes pharmacy alumni for their professional achievement, who also personify the SWOSU pharmacy school’s tradition of excellence.

Since completing her BSPharmacy degree in (December) 1987 from SWOSU, Lori has worked as a pharmacist in Amarillo, from Staff Pharmacist to Clinical Coordinator to her current position as Director of Pharmacy at Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo. In 1993, Lori completed her PharmD degree, and then in 2007, she completed the Pharmacy Leadership Training in the GSK Executive Management Program for Pharmacy Leaders at the Wharton School of Business.

Lori has been a member and served in many leadership roles on several Pharmacy professional boards and organizations as well as numerous Amarillo community groups and nonprofit foundations such as serving as the Vice-Chairman on the Amarillo Institutional Review Board and serving on the Amarillo College Pharmacy Technician Advisor Board. In 2018, she was appointed to serve on the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) as Vice-President. As a member of TSBP, she has served on numerous task forces and committees for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. In addition, she was awarded the Texas Society of Health- System Pharmacists Larry Nesmith Technician Appreciation Award. Lori has also served on the SWOSU College of Pharmacy Dean’s Advisory Council and is a Lifetime Member of the SW Pharmacy Alumni Association.

After her graduation from Amarillo High School, Lori attended SWOSU in Weatherford, Oklahoma. During her time at SWOSU, Lori was a member of the Rho Chi Honor Society and involved in both the Institutional Pharmacy Association and the Southwestern Pharmacy Association pharmacy student groups.

Lori enjoys community volunteerism, running, hiking, water sports, and snow skiing. She and her husband, Daniel, have two sons and a daughter-in-law, Brandon, Rachel, and Britten.

Posted: March 1, 2023

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David Ralph – Spotlight

November 30, 2022 0 comments admin
  • Class of 1975
  • Weatherford, OK
  • Retired Dean of the SWOSU College of Pharmacy
  • Pharmacy Alumni Association Council – Treasurer

When asked what is the most important thing you learned in pharmacy school, David said,

You can do anything with this degree.” 

David is a retired Dean from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy. He stated, “I have been at SWOSU College of Pharmacy since graduation.” Until retirement, David worked at the College of Pharmacy for 47 years. He also serves as the SWOSU Pharmacy Alumni Association’s Treasurer. He continues his role as Financial Administrator for the Pharmacy Foundation. During his time at SWOSU as a pharmacy student, he was involved in SWPhA, serving as their Vice-President and President; Rho Chi; and the Dean’s Advisory Council, as well as playing intramural basketball (which he continued as a non-student for 40 years).  He came to SWOSU after his graduation from Commerce High School. Now he resides in Weatherford, Oklahoma with his wife Vicki Ralph (also a SWOSU Pharmacy Graduate, Education). To learn more about David, read the information below.

Hometown Commerce, OK
High School Commerce High School
Other College Degree(s) MBA, PhD
Current work, plus primary work history timeline, since graduation Have been at SWOSU College of Pharmacy since graduation.  Unable to get another job.
Current/Past involvement (memberships, committees, etc) with SWOSU and/or the College of Pharmacy (including Pharmacy Alumni Association or Pharmacy Foundation), since graduation Association Treasurer since 1977 when Dean Dickison told me I was the Treasurer
Community/Civic Activities, Special Interests, etc. When younger, coached a lot of youth sports – soccer, baseball, basketball.  Currently, enjoying Weatherford Kiwanis Club, serving the youth of Weatherford and the area.
Activities you were involved in at SWOSU Played intramural basketball for 46 years.  Didn’t die on the court as my wife predicted.
What made you choose pharmacy as your degree? Had several family members who were in pharmacy.  Wanted a challenging degree program.
What is the most interesting job you’ve had and why? Being here at SWOSU, watching the students mature and become responsible professionals and trusted members of their communities.
What do you like most about being a pharmacist? It is such a wide-open profession to contribute to healthcare.  There is not one direction you can take your education and make a difference to the patients you serve.
Who is your favorite and/or most memorable pharmacy teacher, and why? Dr. Timmons, after I was out of his classes.  He was frightening in the classroom.  Always serious and so smart.  Once I joined the faculty, he become a great friend and mentor that I relied on to provide sage advice.  
What is your best memory of your time at SWOSU? The feeling of being in a huge family that doesn’t always get along but will be there when you need them the most.
Where was your favorite place to study or hangout during pharmacy school? Studying – Library
Hanging out – Anywhere Mark & Suzanne McCandless were.
What is the most important thing you learned in pharmacy school? You can do anything with this degree.
What is one thing you know now you wish you knew in pharmacy school? Relax and enjoy the time you spend in college.  Getting out and working just isn’t the same as the flexible freedoms of college days (even with tests).
What are your current hobbies/travels/activities? I like woodworking, creating projects that my wife & daughter like to find for me.  Traveling is a huge blast for us.  I so enjoy other cultures, interacting with people, seeing those famous sites and being able to say, we’ve been there.  We have shrunk the world electronically, but we need to continue to do so through travel and personal contact with the world.
Complete this sentence: “One thing you probably didn’t know about me is….” I started first grade when I was 5, not because I was gifted but my birthday required I begin.  This led to not getting a drivers license until my senior year and only being 17 when I started college.
What is your proudest accomplishment since leaving SWOSU? Professionally, being named Dean of the College of Pharmacy in 2016.  Being the first graduate of Southwestern College of Pharmacy to become Dean.  Personally, my family.
What advice would you give a current pharmacy student? Focus on being the best pharmacist & person you can be.  You don’t have to make perfect grades but be the best YOU can be.
If you were writing an autobiography, what would the book title be (besides your name)? He Always Wanted to be like Robin Williams
List family members that also graduated from SWOSU: Pharmacists:
Charles Moudy – uncle
Larry Ralph – brother
Barbara Ralph Kessler – sister
Ryan Ralph – nephew
Andy Ralph – son
Derek Ralph – son
Non-Pharmacy:
Janie Ralph Ream – sister (HIM)
Vicki Edwards Ralph – wife (Education)
Kacie Ralph Purdum – daughter (Education)
List immediate family names: Vicki L. Ralph wife
Andy Ralph – son
Derek Ralph & Roxie Camden Ralph – son/daughter-in-law
Kacie & Brant Purdum – daughter /son-in-law
Grandchildren:
Graham Ralph
Fletcher Ralph
Preslie Purdum
Gage Purdum


Posted: November 30, 2022

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Becca Segrest – Brandy Alumni Award Recipient 2022

November 11, 2022 0 comments admin

Becca Segrest – Brandy Alumni Award Recipient 2022

  • Class of 2005
  • Edmond, OK
  • Pharmacy Manager for Cardinal Health

The Brandy Alumni Award was created in 2014 to recognize outstanding service to the College of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Alumni Association. It can also recognize the achievements of an individual working on behalf of the College of Pharmacy through service in alumni programs, on advisory committees or through efforts made to ensure the welfare of the College of Pharmacy.

This year’s recipient is Becca Segrest of Edmond, OK.  Becca, immediately after her 2005 graduation, started as a staff pharmacist for Cardinal Health Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions spending several years traveling to various locations in Texas and Kansas. She became the Pharmacist-In-Charge there in 2011, and in 2019, she became the Pharmacy Manager for Cardinal Health.  She was the recipient of the Oklahoma Society of Nuclear Medicine Award in 2013 and was named SWOSU College of Pharmacy’s Clinical Preceptor of the Year in 2008 for her exceptional dedication to our students. In addition, she was an LSS Kaizen Leader as well as a presenter of Cardinal Health Continuing Education. In collaboration with her church, Becca started and is the Pharmacist-In-Charge for the charitable pharmacy, The Clinic at the Hill, offering free medical and pharmacy services to indigent patients. She is also part of a medical mission team that goes to Romania.

On numerous occasions since her graduation, Becca has made time to return to SWOSU to be a guest speaker, sharing with pharmacy students about her career and experience. Being a PAA Lifetime Member since 2016, she has also made time to serve as the Pharmacy Alumni Association Council’s President. For many years, she has volunteered to help with the SW Pharmacy Alumni Recognition Ceremony on SWOSU Homecoming Day, either welcoming attendees and/or presenting the Pharmacy Alumni Association awards. Additionally, she is on the SWOSU Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is married to Bryan, and they have one daughter, Abigail. More: Becca Segrest – Spotlight.

Posted: November 11, 2022

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SWOSU College of Pharmacy Honors 1972 Graduates

November 11, 2022 0 comments admin

The Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s College of Pharmacy honored its 50-year pharmacy graduates at the 2022 Pharmacy Alumni Recognition Ceremony held on the Weatherford campus in conjunction with SWOSU’s Homecoming (October 15).

Honorees from the Class of 1972 attending the recognition ceremony were: Elmonette Bivens, Clarendon (TX); Martha and Steve Hebblethwaite, Oklahoma City; Ann and Mitch Hull, Sulphur; Barbara Poe, Norman; Steve Pray, Weatherford; Jerry Pyle, Weatherford; Scott Riggenbach, Miami; Don Ritter, Atoka; Rita Smith, Manhattan (KS); Bill Weingartner, Pauls Valley; and Bill Wittrock, Oklahoma City.

Patti Harper, Director of Alumni & Development for the SWOSU College of Pharmacy, welcomed all the alumni and friends to the program. SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell, SWOSU College of Pharmacy Interim Dean Dr. Les Ramos and Associate Dean Dr. Nancy Williams all spoke to the group. Gifts from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy were presented to each honoree.

Following the event, the College of Pharmacy held an Open House on the Third Floor of the Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy Building.

SWOSU’s pharmacy program was established in 1939 and has over 6,000 graduates. It has positioned itself as one of the best educational values for pharmacy in the nation. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. SWOSU offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as well as a PharmD/MBA dual degree. SWOSU College of Pharmacy graduates are reputable and successful leaders in all areas of pharmacy practice.

Photo Caption: The Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy honored its 50-year pharmacy graduates with a recognition ceremony held on the Weatherford campus. Honorees attending the recognition ceremony were (front row from left): Steve Hebblethwaite, Martha Hebblethwaite, Ann Hull, Elmonette Bivens, Rita Smith, Steve Pray, Barbara Poe; (back row from left): Mitch Hull, Bill Weingartner, Jerry Pyle, Scott Riggenbach, Bill Wittrock, Don Ritter. More Photos

Posted: November 11, 2022

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Rick Allen – Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award Recipient 2022

October 28, 2022 0 comments admin

Rick Allen – Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award Recipient 2022

  • Class of 1970
  • Dallas, TX
  • Semi-Retired; Former CEO of Paragon Healthcare, Inc.

“We are extremely proud of Rick and his outstanding endeavors and achievements,” College of Pharmacy Interim Dean Dr. Les Ramos said. “He is an inspiration for our student pharmacists.”

Rick Allen of Dallas (TX) was presented the 2022 Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award on the SWOSU campus in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award is presented to a SWOSU pharmacy graduate who has demonstrated support of the College of Pharmacy and outstanding personal achievements in the pharmacy profession.

Rick has been an innovator in the pharmacy industry for more than forty years. He began leaving his mark not long after graduating from SWOSU in 1970. At 22 years old, he opened North Star Pharmacy in Dallas. His career eventually led him to home infusion, where he has spent the last 30+ years building his legacy in specialty pharmacy. Among his leadership roles, Rick has served as co-founder and owner of Lake Pointe Pharmacy and Chief Pharmacy Officer for Option Care. In 1996, Rick founded Dougherty’s Home Infusion, where he served as Clinical Infusion Director for six years before taking it public as Park Infusion Care.

In September 2002, Rick co-founded Paragon Healthcare, Inc. in Dallas, where he would spend the next two decades as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, growing the company from three employees to more than one thousand nationwide today. Paragon offers services in-home infusion therapy, infusion center site-of-care operations, specialty pharmaceuticals, rare disease care, bleeding disorder treatment and management, and in-office infusion suite solutions for physicians. In addition to its home office in Plano, TX, Paragon has more than 55 locations from coast-to-coast, including 17 home infusion pharmacies and 37 infusion centers, with more opening soon. In January 2022, Rick semi-retired and stepped down as CEO.

Rick has earned many accolades over the years. In 2015, he was the Southwest Region Winner and a National Finalist in Healthcare as part of Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year program. In 2018, he was “Most Admired CEO” (Dallas Business Journal). Under Rick’s leadership, Paragon Healthcare earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies six consecutive years, the Dallas Business Journal’s Middle Market 50 list for seven consecutive years and was named one of the Top 100 Places to Work by the Dallas Morning News.

Rick has also made a profound impact on many philanthropic organizations in and around Dallas. Most notably, he has devoted countless hours and resources to the American Heart Association, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Committee since 2008. Rick can be credited for millions of dollars raised for AHA as Cotes du Coeur co-chair, alongside his wife, Trisha. He has also served as an Advisory Director for the National Home Infusion Association since 1998 and remains involved as a consultant to many professional groups and organizations.

His generosity also includes charitable giving to the SW Pharmacy Foundation to support the SWOSU College of Pharmacy and its endeavors. Furthermore, Rick’s impact goes beyond the pharmacy profession and his community – it extends to his friends, including classmates that he met as a pharmacy student at SWOSU. In 2014, unbeknownst to Rick, a group of his classmates generously made donations to the SW Pharmacy Foundation to establish the Richard M. Allen Scholarship to honor Rick and to show their SWOSU pharmacy pride. From this endeavor, a scholarship has been awarded each year to a SWOSU College of Pharmacy student, thus extending Rick’s impact.

Rick enjoys snow skiing, sailing, golf, and spending time in Colorado with Trisha (a SWOSU graduate) and their family: son Drew, daughter-in-law Denise, and grandchildren Kane and Ella.

Posted: October 28, 2022

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