OAKWOOD, VA (September 2, 2026) – First year pharmacy students arrived on the campus of the Appalachian College of Pharmacy Wednesday to begin their studies leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in Virginia’s only three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
ACP President Mickey McGlothlin welcomed students to campus.
“This is a job,” he told students of their commitment to attend pharmacy school. “You have to be committed to learn everything that is taught to you and to be the best that you can be. And we believe that each and every one of you can be one of the best pharmacists. If we did not believe in you, you would not be here today.”
McGlothlin noted that as pharmacists, students will someday work to serve the healthcare needs of mankind and to improve the health of mankind.
“When you become pharmacists, you are the gatekeepers to the medications that are used to improve the health of mankind,” McGlothlin said.
Students in the incoming class of 2029 hail from throughout Central Appalachia, Northen Virginia, Kentucky and Canada. The new students join second year pharmacy students on campus and at ACP’s satellite instructional sites at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA and the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke, VA; and third year pharmacy students who are currently out on rotation.
ACP Provost and Dean, Dr. Susan Mayhew welcomed students to campus, noting “this is one of my favorite days of the entire year – when we get to meet and welcome our new students.
“You’ve chosen well,” Mayhew added. “Pharmacy is a fantastic profession.”
Mayhew reminded students of ACP’s mission which she said forms the foundation for the college’s strategic plan.
“The Appalachian College of Pharmacy, a college of higher education, provides academic, scientific and professional education to address the health-related needs of rural and underserved communities, particularly those in Appalachia, through education, service and scholarship,” Mayhew said of ACP’s mission. “The philosophy of the college is to cultivate a learning community committed to education, community outreach and professional development.
“This is our road map and what guides the growth and development of ACP,” Mayhew added. “We are approaching a new strategic planning cycle and will welcome your input. Our strategic plan is a working, living document that guides the growth of the college.”
Mayhew noted ACP’s three-year accelerated program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree is fast-paced and she reminded students, “you are responsible for your learning.”
Developing good study habits from the start and being disciplined in maintaining those make all the difference, she said, noting the keys to success in the ACP program are good study habits, time management, balance, student support services and professionalism.
“This is your full-time job now,” Mayhew told students. “You control the degree of success you have in this program and from this day forward, you are an ambassador for the Appalachian College of Pharmacy and for the noble profession of pharmacy. Represent that well.”
Mayhew also touched briefly on the college’s online Doctor of Public Health program and opportunities to simultaneously earn a Master of Business Administration through regional agreements ACP has with other institutions of higher learning.
She spoke about the variety of career opportunities in the profession of pharmacy, as well as the board certifications available in pharmacy specialties.
Following the introduction to professional education program, students, as well as faculty and staff, participated in a brief meet and greet allowing each to introduce themselves, where they were from, their educational background and a memorable fact about themselves.
Throughout the week, students will take part in additional orientation sessions focusing on a variety of topics — from curriculum, experiential education and technology policies, computer usage and software training to student services, money management, community service and campus safety. A business services fair and ice cream social was planned for Thursday afternoon. CVS Pharmacy sponsored lunch for students on their first day; Walgreens was scheduled to sponsor lunch on Thursday; and Mutual Drug provided students with backpacks.
Fall semester classes begin Tuesday, September 8. ACP’s traditional white coat ceremony, signifying first year class members’ entrance into the profession of pharmacy is planned for next spring.
ABOUT ACP: The Appalachian College of Pharmacy is the only three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Founded in 2003, the college accepted its first students in 2005. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its mission is to cultivate a learning community committed to education, community outreach and the professional development of pharmacists. Its graduate pharmacists are now practicing throughout the United States. Learn more at www.acp.edu.
(PHOTO CAPTION: ACP President Mickey McGlothlin welcomes first year pharmacy students to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy during Monday’s orientation session held at the college’s Oakwood campus.)
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