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A Long Way from Home, Right Where She Belongs

Pharmacy student Allie Ingles finds academic support, leadership opportunities and a true sense of belonging at Marshall University.
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Allie Ingles stands smiling, holding a bouquet of flowers, while wearing her School of Pharmacy white coat.
From Le Roy, New York, a small town located between Rochester and Buffalo, pharmacy student Allie Ingles discovered a home away from home at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Allie first discovered Marshall through the PharmCAS website, which lists all the early assurance pharmacy programs in the country.

Marshall University School of Pharmacy students gather together for a photo wearing their white coats

“I went through the list and found pros and cons of each school, and Marshall ended up having some of the most pros,” she said. “Before that, I had never even heard of Marshall, but the website really opened my eyes to options outside of the schools I had heard of before.”

Intrigued by the beautiful campus, welcoming atmosphere, and affordable tuition, Allie visited Marshall during her junior year of high school.

You can tell no matter where you are that this town supports the Thundering Herd - Allie Ingles

“When my dad and I toured campus, we were amazed by how much of Huntington was Kelly green,” she said. “You can tell no matter where you are that this town supports the Thundering Herd. Whether you’re in Pullman Square or even Walmart, there’s Marshall everywhere, and I loved that atmosphere.”

She also credits Hannah Osburn at the School of Pharmacy for making the visit so special.

“Hannah was extremely welcoming during the process, and that made a huge impact on my decision,” Allie said.

Now a student in Marshall’s School of Pharmacy, Allie is pursuing a dual Pharm.D. and MBA degree and expects to graduate in 2029 and she says she couldn’t imagine earning her degrees anywhere else.

“The School of Pharmacy is incredible,” she said. “The professors really care, and the flipped-classroom model helps me learn and retain information better than ever before. I feel supported and challenged every day.”

Allie Ingles wears a football helmet and stands next to a Marshall player on the Marshall University football field

Allie’s passion for pharmacy came naturally.

“I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare but wanted to find the right fit. Pharmacy combines my love for science and math without the blood and bodily fluids,” she laughed. “It’s the perfect balance for me.”

Outside the classroom, Allie is deeply involved in campus life. She serves as vice president of finance for Delta Zeta, where she’s found leadership opportunities, meaningful friendships and a strong sense of belonging. One of her favorite memories is winning Greek Sing during her first semester, an experience that helped her bond with her sisters.

Three girls smile together at a sorority formal event

“Joining Delta Zeta was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said. “It gave me leadership opportunities and made Marshall truly feel like home.”

Beyond Greek life, Allie’s passion for health and wellness extends to the Marshall Recreation Center where she teaches HERD HIIT classes and competes on intramural volleyball teams, including a co-ed playoff win this semester.

“I love teaching fitness classes because it helps others reach their goals while helping me grow in confidence. Hearing someone say they loved my class makes my day,” she said.

Balancing pharmacy school, her role as a Walgreens pharmacy intern, sorority leadership, teaching fitness classes and intramural sports requires discipline and organization, skills Allie has embraced throughout her Marshall journey.

Two students smile while holding up their intramural champion t-shirts

“Organization is key and knowing when to take a step back is just as important,” Allie said.

Through it all, Allie credits her family for their constant encouragement.

“They come down for Family Weekend and big events, and they’re always my biggest supporters,” she said. “Even when they’re far, hearing them say they’re proud of me means everything.”

Allie’s love for Marshall has even made its way back home.

“Now that I’ve been at Marshall, it’s become a known school in my small hometown,” she said. “I’ve had all my friends watch We Are Marshall, and many of them have come to visit me here in Huntington. I’m ultimately so lucky to have found a school like Marshall, and I’m glad I can spread my love for it all the way up to Le Roy, New York.”

Looking ahead, Allie hopes to become a Medical Science Liaison, a goal she discovered through her experiences at Marshall.

I’m ultimately so lucky to have found a school like Marshall - Allie Ingles

“Marshall has opened my eyes to so many career paths in pharmacy. I wouldn’t even know this role existed if not for the amazing professors here.”

When asked what advice she’d give to her freshman-year self, Allie smiled. “Don’t stress over every tiny detail. Focus on understanding the big picture first. Marshall has taught me how to study smarter and grow as a learner.”

For Allie Ingles, Marshall is far more than just a university. It’s a place that has shaped her future, strengthened her confidence, and surrounded her with a community that feels like family.

“Marshall spirit is everywhere,” she said. “There’s truly no other place like it.”

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