The Red River Region Pharmacy Association presented a $10,000 check on Thursday to benefit the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s pharmacy care lab, located in the College of Pharmacy Bienville Building.

ULM College of Pharmacy Interim Dean Greg Leader (third from right) accepts a $10,000 donation from Red River Region Pharmacy Association Treasurer Robert Collins (second from right.) ULM President James Cofer Sr. (third from left) and other members of the College of Pharmacy faculty flank them.

ULM President James E. Cofer Sr. noted the significance of accepting the association’s generous gift in a lab that Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education representatives touted as a paradigm for other schools across the country.

The state-of-the-art pharmacy care lab is equipped with all of the components of a modern pharmacy, including retail, hospital, and clinical pharmacy simulation areas where students are able to practice the delivery of care.

The funding will provide additional lab supplies and equipment for students, according to COP Interim Dean Dr. Greg Leader.

“Pharmacists and the pharmacy associations in Louisiana have always been very supportive of the ULM College of Pharmacy,” he said. “This gift is deeply appreciated, and will enable students to learn concepts that will benefit them in today’s practice environment as well as the pharmacy of the future.”

Red River Region Pharmacy Association Treasurer Robert Collins said the Association recently merged with the North Louisiana Society of Hospital Pharmacists, in an effort to streamline the work of both groups. The merger resulted in the $10,000 check presented on Thursday.

“These are challenging times, with the cutting of state funds,” said Collins. “We felt our funds would be used very wisely by the College of Pharmacy.”

“As the only state-supported College of Pharmacy in Louisiana, we are making great strides both in research and in community service,” said Cofer. “We are pleased to accept this donation and proud of what the money is able to support.”

Cofer acknowledged the breast cancer research performed by Dr. Paul Sylvester, as well as the grant funding of more than $700,000 for prostate cancer recently awarded to Dr. Girish Shah, as prime examples of the type of direct impact the College has on the state and the country.

The College of Pharmacy recently received accreditation through 2014.





Photo by Keli Jacobi, ULM Office of University Relations