Cedarville University Partners with Walgreens to Boost Pharmacy Career Opportunities
DAYTON, Ohio — In a move set to shape the future of pharmacy education and careers, Cedarville University has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Walgreens. The collaboration aims to open doors for aspiring pharmacists by offering enhanced career pathways, internships, and financial support for students and employees alike.
The initiative, hailed as a win-win for both institutions, prioritizes Cedarville pharmacy students for internships and career opportunities at Walgreens. This strategic alignment comes at a time when the demand for skilled pharmacists continues to grow across the U.S.
Thad Franz, Cedarville University’s associate dean for student affairs and professor of pharmacy practice, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “This agreement is a chance to identify pharmacy technicians who are interested in advancing their careers through pharmacy school,” Franz said. “With the combined resources of Cedarville and Walgreens, students will have the support they need to succeed.”
Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy has already established itself as a leader in the field, boasting an impressive 80% residency placement rate—far exceeding the national average of around 60%. This track record of success makes Cedarville an attractive partner for Walgreens, which is keen to recruit top talent from the university’s program.
Beyond benefiting students, the partnership also extends advantages to Walgreens employees. Those interested in furthering their education will receive tuition discounts on Cedarville’s online graduate programs and residential Master of Divinity program. Additionally, employees pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree will enjoy preferred admissions benefits, including guaranteed interviews, scholarships, and mentorship from Cedarville faculty and peers.
Stephen Grawe and Katie Sheets, key leaders at Walgreens, played instrumental roles in forging this collaboration. Their efforts have already made a significant impact, with many Cedarville graduates now serving as community pharmacists at Walgreens locations nationwide.
“Stephen and Katie have invested deeply in our students and school,” Franz noted. “Their commitment has helped our graduates excel in patient-centered pharmacy roles across the country.”
The partnership’s impact is already being felt on Cedarville’s campus. This year, three pharmacy students—Luke Ayad, Princess Eziolise, and Abigail McNeal—were awarded Walgreens scholarships, underscoring the company’s dedication to supporting the next generation of pharmacists.
Ayad, a second-year student from Powell, Ohio; Eziolise, a fourth-year student from Dublin, Ohio; and McNeal, a second-year student from Cedarville, Ohio, are among the first beneficiaries of this collaboration. Their success stories highlight the tangible opportunities the partnership creates for students.
As the healthcare industry evolves, collaborations like this one between Cedarville University and Walgreens are essential to bridging the gap between education and employment. By fostering talent and providing resources, the partnership promises to strengthen the pharmacy workforce and improve patient care outcomes.
The initiative marks a significant step forward for both institutions, setting a precedent for how universities and corporations can work together to address industry needs while empowering future professionals.
— Reported by Nexio News
