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Christy Bell (center) holds her pin next to Dean Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D. (left) and John Vinson, Pharm.D. Image by Evan Lewis

Third-Year Pharmacy Students Receive Pins, Ready for Patient Care

May 6, 2026 | A total of 91 third-year students in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy received commemorative pins in split ceremonies held April 10 in Fayetteville and April 24 in Little Rock. The annual tradition recognizes the symbolic transition from classroom instruction to patient care as students enter their final year of pharmacy school.

Members of the College of Pharmacy Class of 2027 received their pins in a separate ceremony held April 10 in Fayetteville.David Wise

For the first three years of pharmacy school, students focus on didactic, or classroom, instruction. Their fourth and final year involves Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, during which they serve patients at home and abroad on rotations as they prepare for careers after graduation.

These experiences are critical to becoming a professional, said Dean Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D.

“You are stepping into a new phase of your education: one that is more fully based in real-world experiences,” Stowe said. “I encourage you to dive in to this work, dig deeper than you’ve ever imagined, and make these Advance Pharmacy Practice Experiences the best classes of your time as a student pharmacist. Your older self will be happy you did.”

Looking back on her own experiences, Stowe said that the weight of caring for real patients can lead to uncomfortable moments, but she encouraged the students to push through.

“I think these uncomfortable moments are gifts,” Stowe said. “I still have them occasionally, and I know when I do, that I need to embrace the situation and learn from it. Don’t shy away from these moments of discomfort. Lean into it and learn through the experience in building confidence on your path to forging your identity as a pharmacist.”

A second ceremony was held for students in Little Rock on April 24.Evan Lewis

Fourth-year students Rachel Siebenmorgen and Kerigan Bradshaw-Hensley served as emcees in Fayetteville and Little Rock, respectively.

As students’ names were called, they walked up to accept gold-embossed envelopes containing their pin to applause from family, friends and classmates.

The Arkansas Pharmacists Association sponsored the ceremonies this year. CEO and Executive Vice President John Vinson, Pharm.D., represented the association at both events.

Jake Wingfield, Pharm.D., Class of 2023, addressed students in Fayetteville as the keynote speaker. Upon completing his pharmacy degree and serving a PGY-1 residency with Walmart, he accepted a position on the retailer’s Health and Wellness Talent team.

Wingfield focused on pharmacy as a people-oriented profession for patients and providers alike. He encouraged students to forge lasting connections, and not to simply “meet, greet, and forget.” In addition to lifting each other up, he also reminded students to have faith in themselves.

Somaya Ibrahim (white coat) poses with members of her family in Fayetteville after receiving her pin.David Wise

“On long days, in unfamiliar settings, when you feel behind or unsure, anchor yourself to your purpose,” Wingfield said. “Pharmacy is about trust. It’s about service. And it’s about being present at moments that matter in people’s lives. There will be a moment during this year when you save a patient from harm. Write that out and frame it: it’s just as important as your diploma.”

Amanda Russell, Pharm.D., Class of 2024, delivered the keynote speech in Little Rock. Following graduation, she completed her first-year residency at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro and is currently serving an ambulatory care residency in the College of Pharmacy.

Russell stressed to the students the importance of building relationships in their careers, adding that they should begin thinking of themselves as pharmacists-in-training.

“Every challenge you face now is preparing you for the responsibility that you’re about to take on, so tackle it head-on and learn and grow from it,” she said. “You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and now you’re stepping into the most transformative part of your training. Make the most of it, and take care of each other along the way.”

Student ambassadors for both events were Bronwyne Bain, Roxane Chamcheu, Nate Lemke, Saniya McCoy, Ashley Serfaty, Madeline Davidson, Jasmine Preston, Kali Guardiola, Kia Bursey-Walker, Sophie Wilborn, and Alyssa Nolan.

College of Pharmacy Class of 2027