Birmingham, Ala. – Jessica Carver, a second year student in Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy, was selected by The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation for one of only four Pharmacy Student Scholarship Awards.

The student scholarship award recipients were chosen for work that shares the NACDS Foundation’s commitment to benefit patients, improve outcomes and advance public health. Carver has demonstrated an interest in advocating for issues that advance patient care in the community pharmacy setting through active participation and leadership in her student pharmacy associations. She is president-elect for the Samford chapter of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Review Sessions Leader for her class. In 2013 she traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Senator Richard Shelby’s legislative assistants to discuss issues in pharmacy, including the topic of provider status for pharmacists.

"This very significant and competitive national scholarship is going to a very deserving student,” said Dr. Michael Hogue, interim dean of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy. “Jessica has demonstrated consistent leadership with a servant's heart. She is a great example of what our school desires for and in our students.”

In addition to her work with professional organizations, Carver advocates for issues that advance patient care through volunteer work at local health fairs. “Many people see their pharmacist as someone who stands behind the counter and fills their medication,” said Carver. “At the McWhorter School of Pharmacy, we frequently go out into the community to offer free blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose screenings. I am passionate about educating the community about the unique services a pharmacist can offer.” Carver exemplifies the key missions of the NACDS Foundation. “She is going to achieve great things in her career as a pharmacist,” said Hogue.