South University School of Pharmacy Awarded Prestigious Grant by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South University's School of Pharmacy (SUSOP) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation, in the "Innovating Patient Care and Pharmacy Practice" category.

The college was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for its commitment to expanding the capacity of a community health care program in Savannah that works to provide health screening and medication therapy management for patients with urgent health needs. 

SUSOP was one of five institutions selected in its category, alongside Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy, Purdue College of Pharmacy, Temple University School of Pharmacy, and Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

"The NACDS Foundation Scholarship highlights the significant impact of our ongoing community engagement efforts," said Dr. Adegoke A. Adeniji, Associate Professor and Interim Dean of the School of Pharmacy. "It enables us to expand our outreach to underserved and underinsured populations in the region while providing our students with hands-on learning and real-world experiences. This initiative not only enhances student education but also strengthens South University's presence and service in the Savannah community."

The grant will support several successful SUSOP initiatives that were instrumental in securing this recognition:

• A sustainable Community-Academic Partnership with Inspiritus of Savannah, providing dedicated space for faculty to conduct participant recruitment, screening, education, and medication therapy management services
• The creation of a new JC Lewis Primary Health Care Clinic practice site, enabling team-based ambulatory care alongside other health professionals
• Transdisciplinary faculty engagement across pharmacy, public health, and clinical disciplines

"The NACDS Foundation funding will support expansion of community-based health services and research initiatives by leveraging strong community partnerships and innovative care models to address local health disparities among the underserved population in Savannah," said Dr. David Ombengi, SUSOP Department Chair and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice.

The award, announced during a special ceremony at the 2025 NACDS Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, comes as the NACDS Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary of supporting pharmacy education, having contributed more than $5 million to advancing pharmacy education nationwide.

"South University School of Pharmacy is very deserving of this NACDS Innovating Patient Care and Pharmacy Practice scholarship," said Sara E. Roszak, President of the NACDS Foundation. "We look forward to seeing the outcome of this important project that will be an asset to the community it serves."

About South University

South University, founded in 1899, has grown from a single location in Savannah, Georgia, to serving over 10,000 students across 11 ground campuses and online curricula. The university offers a wide range of programs, from associate to doctoral levels, focusing on fields such as healthcare, business, and technology.

Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 © 2025 South University. All rights reserved.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. South University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Media Contact:
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SOURCE South University