School of Pharmacy Multicultural Pharmacy Scholars Program

Initiated in 2003, the Multicultural Pharmacy Scholars Program (MPSP) at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy was designed to assist academically well-prepared students from various underrepresented racial and ethic groups within the profession who have been admitted to the undergraduate PharmD program. The MPSP addresses academic, social, personal and career aspects of your university experience and assists you in getting the maximum benefits of your education during your time in the Pharmacy program. As an MPSP scholar you will join a small community of students and professors whose goal it is to ensure your academic and career success.

Program Components & Support Services

Scholarships

Renewable scholarships typically ranging from $500 to $1500 per semester based upon academic performance, student participation, student need and funding availability.

Mentoring & Academic Advising

One-on-one monthly mentoring meetings with the MPSP faculty director.
Peer mentorship from upper level pharmacy students in the program
Professional mentorship from pharmacist practitioners
Group mentorship at monthly group academic/business meetings

Tutoring Services

Available to students in the program on an as needed basis.

Cultural Events

Attendance and participation in two Cultural Events each semester.

Special Events

Guest speaking appearances from pharmacist practitioners in a variety of practice settings

Field trips

Career Development & Placement Guidance

Student Responsibilities

Regular attendance in all pharmacy classes.
Maintenance of minimum GPA standards.
Attendance and participation at all one-one-one mentoring meetings.
Attendance and participation at all group academic and business meetings.
Attendance and participation at all Cultural and Special Events.
Provide mentoring to younger program participants.

Program Eligibility

Students from underrepresented groups within the pharmacy major including

Racial or ethnic minorities (e.g. African-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American) who may be first generation college attendees and may also have financial need due to low socio-economic status as defined by Pell Grant eligibility.

Students with outstanding academic qualifications.
Admission into the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.

Application Process

The application process consists of submitting the following information to the MPSP Coordinator no later than July 15th prior to the student’s first semester in the pharmacy program
A cover letter introducing yourself and indicating why you are interested in the MPSP.
A two-page double-spaced essay responding to the following questions

What do you want out of life and why a college education is important to you?
How you chose your major?
Who has influenced you the most in your life and how?
What does your cultural background mean to you and how involved are you in your ethnic heritage?

Admission into the program is at the discretion of the MPSP co-directors. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of program eligibility; pre-pharmacy academic performance; standardized testing scores (PCAT); evidence of community involvement and commitment to the pharmacy profession as described in the applicants cover letter and essay along with pharmacy school application materials.
Interested students should contact the program Coordinator to obtain a program brochure.

Contact Information

Dr. Robert L. Emerson, PharmD, R.Ph.
Co-Director & Coordinator
Multicultural Pharmacy Scholars Program
The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Malott Hall, Room 6050-J
Lawrence, Kansas 66045
(785) 864-5563
remerson@ku.edu

Dr. John Stobaugh, Ph.D.
Co-Director
Multicultural Pharmacy Scholars Program
The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Simons Laboratories, West Campus, Room 136 A
Lawrence, Kansas 66045
(785) 864-3996
stobaugh@ku.edu