CVS Health donates $5 million in scholarships to ULM College of Pharmacy

Published October 5, 2026

Gov. Jeff Landry joins ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille and special guests at a ceremony recognizing a gift from CVS Health

CAPTION: Pictured L-R: ULM First Gentleman Dr. Robert Robichaux, ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, First Lady of Louisiana Sharon Landry, Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry, ULM Pharmacy student Angel Raney, CVS Regional Director Dr. Council Powell, ULM College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Gina Craft 

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) College of Pharmacy welcomed representatives from CVS Health along with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry at a ceremony on September 28, 2026, where Governor Landry announced a $5 million donation from CVS to fund scholarships for ULM College of Pharmacy students.  

“Partnerships like what you’re seeing today actually matter,” said Governor Landry. “It means a lot when our corporate partners, those people who do business in this state, partner with our educational systems to help support them. I want to thank CVS for their partnership, and we look forward to them continuing to support the ULM College of Pharmacy.”  

ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille welcomed Governor Landry and other special guests to the ceremony at the College of Pharmacy. “This gift from CVS will provide life-changing scholarship opportunities for our students. Thank you to CVS for your partnership and belief in the work that we do,” said Dr. Castille.  

The scholarships are designated for students from Louisiana who are pursuing their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The first round of scholarships, awarded prior to the Fall 2026 semester, helps to support 52 students who were recognized at the ceremony. 

Angel Raney is a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy candidate from Rayville, La. Raney expressed her thanks to the CVS representatives in attendance. “I truly hope you know what a difference you have made for me. I feel incredibly blessed to have received this scholarship, and I don’t take your investment in me lightly. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and helping me get one step closer to becoming Dr. Raney,” she said.  

CVS Health Regional Director Dr. Council Powell spoke on behalf of the company at the ceremony. “Today is about more than awarding scholarships. It’s about investing in people who have chosen a profession rooted in service, trust, and human connection,” said Powell. He continued by encouraging the scholarship recipients, reminding them of the impact they will have throughout their careers. “On behalf of CVS Health, congratulations on this well-earned recognition. We are proud to support your journey and look forward to seeing the difference each of you will make going forward.”  

A large group of people pose in front of a building.

CAPTION: Gov. Landry (center) poses with the College of Pharmacy scholarship recipients and other special guests at the ceremony on September 28, 2026.  

About the ULM College of Pharmacy 

The Pharmacy program at ULM is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is Louisiana’s only publicly supported comprehensive center for pharmaceutical education, research, and service. The Toxicology program at ULM was the first of its kind in the South and is currently one of only six nationally. In addition to its standard PharmD degree, the ULM College of Pharmacy also offers three combination degree alternatives. The Graduate program at ULM College of Pharmacy offers two PhD degree options. Learn more at ulm.edu/pharmacy.