Columbus State partners with Arkansas’ Harding University to offer students direct pathway to pharmacy careers
April 7, 2025
Columbus State University has partnered with Harding University in Arkansas to offer its students a direct pathway to a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. This agreement aims to enhance students’ educational and career opportunities in pharmacy after they complete their undergraduate studies.
Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen, dean of the College of Letters & Sciences, explained that this partnership reflects Columbus State’s unwavering commitment to ensuring students succeed academically and are well-prepared to compete professionally after graduation. By facilitating access to Harding University, she said the university is empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals with confidence.
“Eligible students will have the incredible opportunity for expedited admission and reserved seats at Harding University, an institution known for its strong pharmacy program,” Yarber-Allen said. “This streamlined pathway between Columbus State and Harding University not just simplifies admissions and transition, but it also highlights a powerful career path for our science majors in the College of Letters & Sciences."
Under the agreement, Columbus State students who complete specific prerequisite courses
through its pre-pharmacy, biology, chemistry or similar curricula will be eligible to apply for expedited admission to Harding’s Pharm.D. program in
its College of Pharmacy. This collaboration allows students to transition seamlessly
into advanced pharmacy studies, provided they meet Harding’s admission requirements
and follow its College of Pharmacy application procedures.
Signing the memorandum of understanding with Harding University is (seated) Dr. Shannon Campbell, Columbus State's provost and chief academic officer. She is joined by (left to right)
Davis Buckley, Harding University admissions counselor; Dr. Kristen Dixon, Harding
University College of Pharmacy graduate; Whitley Hall, Columbus State’s general counsel
and chief legal affairs officer; Cameron Head, Columbus State chemistry student; and
Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen, dean of Columbus State’s College of Letters and Sciences
One of those students looking forward to benefiting from the Columbus State-Harding
agreement is Cameron Head of Acworth, Georgia, who is currently a senior majoring
in health science. With a father who is a chemist and a mother who is a nurse, Head
decided as early as elementary school that he loved science and wanted to help people
when he grew up.
Already a part-time Walgreens pharmacy technician, he plans to attend Harding after
he graduates from Columbus State this May.
Cameron Head (center) at the end of his Harding University/Walgreens internship. He is pictured with Dr. Brad Lawson (left), Walgreens area healthcare supervisor, and Dr. Rodney Richmond (right), chair of pharmacy practice in Harding University's College of Pharmacy.
“For Columbus State students to have this advantage to getting into a great pharmacy
school is definitely a leg up,” Head explained. Last summer, he completed a Harding
University/Walgreens internship that he described as “amazing and very hands on,”
and he noted he’s looking forward to benefitting from its College of Pharmacy’s “rigorous
curriculum” as a pharmacy student there.
Located in Searcy, Arkansas, Harding’s 3.5-year Pharm.D. program is a blended learning model featuring real-world experiences that allow students to enter the workforce sooner and significantly contribute to patient care.
“Having excellent partner schools like Columbus State strengthens the pipeline of
highly qualified students coming to Harding and paves an efficient pathway for them
to become practice-ready pharmacists. We’re excited to welcome these talented students
who will fulfill the HUCOP mission by maturing into caring healthcare providers who
improve the spiritual and physical wellness of the world,” said Dr. Julie Hixson-Wallace (pictured), dean of Harding’s College of Pharmacy.
Professionals with a Pharm.D. degree are qualified for various career paths, from community and hospital settings to specialized roles in clinical research, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory affairs. Pharmacists consistently rank among the most-trusted healthcare professionals, reflecting their critical role in patient care and medication management. Shifting population demographics and healthcare demands now require more pharmacists with specialized knowledge in oncology, geriatrics and pharmacogenomics, giving Pharm.D. graduates the chance to pursue niche areas with high earning potential.
Media contacts:
- Columbus State University: Michael Tullier, APR, executive director of strategic communication + marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu
- Harding University: Dr. Jack Shock, vice president of communications and marketing, 501.249.2151, jshock@harding.edu