Tierra Jackson, Statesboro High School Class of 2014, was inaugurated as the new Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) president at the annual convention of the SNPhA held this past August in Atlanta.
As Jackson assumes her new role, she looks to inspire innovation in pharmacy.
“Tierra is a bright, ambitious, determined, articulate, and passionate student. Best of all, she has a huge heart for others,” said Vivia Hill-Silcott, director of diversity programs and academic support and the college’s faculty advisor for SNPhA. “She is not just an aspiring leader; she is a leader. I can’t wait to see where she will go next.”
The SNPhA has a membership of more than 5,000, with 120-plus affiliated chapters. It is an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about professional issues and minority representation.
In her new role, she will be responsible for executing programs geared toward the improvement of the health, educational and social environment of minority communities.
As one of her initial actions as president, Jackson chose the organization’s yearly theme: “Flip the S.C.R.I.P.T. in 2022-23.” The acronym stands for “Students Creating, Reimagining, and Innovating Pharmacy Together.”
“Flip the S.C.R.I.P.T. challenges and encourages my fellow students and I to create new opportunities for ourselves and the next generation of pharmacists; reimagine what diversity in healthcare should be; and innovate ways to support our communities,” said Jackson.
Improving health outcomes for patients of color
Jackson came to Athens in 2014 to pursue her bachelor of science in pharmaceutical science. As an undergraduate, she served with several organizations, including:
- President of the pre-pharmacy society
- Vice president and service coordinator of the NAACP
- Clinic manager at Mercy Health Clinic
She entered pharmacy school in 2019 and became a student ambassador. In spring 2021, Jackson was an inductee of Phi Lambda Sigma.
Currently a fourth-year 2023 PharmD candidate at the University of Georgia in Statesboro, Jackson is also a co-founder and vice president of the Black Student Pharmacists Organization, and the program coordinator for the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists.
Throughout her academic journey, Jackson has collected a number of notable awards, including:
- UGA Black Faculty and Staff Organization’s Professional Founders Award
- Inaugural UGA First Award for a Professional Student, which recognizes an outstanding first generation college attendee
In the future Jackson plans to pursue a career in Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership so that she can improve health outcomes for patients of color on a global scale.
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Original article courtesy of the University of Georgia.
