The first $649,999 in funding was awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)* to the Marshall University Research Corporation in September.
The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program provides scholarships to full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.
The scholarships cover at least half of annual tuition, with award amounts based on each student’s financial need and program guidelines.
“This award will help ensure that talented students are not prevented from pursuing a pharmacy degree because of financial barriers,” said Dr. Eric Blough, dean of the School of Pharmacy and principal investigator. “By investing in these students, we are also investing in the future health of West Virginia and the communities that need healthcare professionals most.”
Recipients will also receive assistance with academic advising and student support to help them complete their degrees and prepare for pharmacy practice. The project connects educational opportunity with the school’s work to prepare pharmacists to serve rural and medically underserved communities.
In rural and medically underserved communities, pharmacists help patients manage medications and chronic conditions and provide preventive care and counseling. The Marshall University School of Pharmacy prepares graduates to contribute to this care throughout West Virginia and Appalachia.”
“We are grateful for HRSA’s investment in our students and proud of the School of Pharmacy’s leadership in preparing pharmacists who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients across West Virginia and Appalachia,” said Dr. Diane Petrella, Marshall’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Blough leads the project with co-principal investigator Dr. Prasanna Manne, associate dean of assessment and accreditation.
Prospective and current students may contact pharmacy@marshall.edu or call 304-696-7302 to ask about the opportunity. Information about the PharmD program is available at www.marshall.edu/pharmacy.
About the Marshall University School of Pharmacy
The Marshall University School of Pharmacy offers an ACPE-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program located in Huntington, West Virginia. The School prepares future pharmacists through innovative education, experiential learning, research, and community engagement while advancing healthcare access and workforce development throughout Appalachia and beyond.
HRSA Grant Disclaimer
*The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided financial support for T0856459. The award totaled $649,999 of total costs and was 100% funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.