Dear Gatton Community,

As we conclude another remarkable semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the milestones, achievements, and moments of pride that continue to define who we are as a college community.

Community and Fellowship

This fall marked the beginning of our 20th Anniversary Celebration, a milestone that honors our journey from a community-founded school to a nationally recognized college of pharmacy. We officially kicked off this celebration at the Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony—welcoming our new class while reflecting on how far we’ve come in two decades. It was a moment that perfectly captured our mission and our enduring commitment to the profession, our students, and the region.

In addition, we welcomed our Early Admission Pathway students and look forward to those ETSU students’ eventual matriculation. Thank you to Becky Dunkelberger and Heather Poston, along with all the faculty and staff who continue to make our Open House and Pharmacy Career Showcase events a success!

Our students grew in community with faculty, staff, and each other at the College Wellbeing Retreat. We welcomed to our community new faculty member, Dr. Morteza Rasoulianboroujeni, new staff members, Jen Moon and Damola Odunsi, and new residents, Drs. Kelsey Long and Emily Strickland.

And of course, everyone brought their A-game to this year’s Halloween party — A Grammys-themed party complete with a costume catwalk worthy of a red carpet!

As part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration, we’re trying something new this year: ETSU Health Tailgating! Thank you to each and every person who volunteered or attended the gatherings before ETSU Football games.

These tailgates aren’t just casual get-togethers but rather intentional gatherings to bolster engagement and relationship with alumni, current students, ETSU Early Admission Pathway students, preceptors, donors, and our friends at the other ETSU Health colleges and departments. In the same vein, Homecoming was also a great opportunity to reconnect with alumni, and we look forward to growing and enhancing that effort next year.

Awards and Honors

This semester, our faculty and students continued to bring distinction to Gatton through service, scholarship, and leadership. Here are a few highlights:

- Dr. David Cluck, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and recognized at ETSU’s Research Celebration.

- Steve Ellis, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, was honored for 30 years of service and the announcement of a scholarship to continue his legacy of supporting student success! To donate, visit our donor page and, under Designation, select "Write In Your Choice," and type in "Steve Ellis Scholarship." Listen to his interview on the college podcast, White Coat Radio!

- Dr. Emily Flores earned the Renee Holder Global Health Award for her work advancing medication access in underserved regions worldwide.

- Bruce Gannaway, Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, was honored for his military service as part of ETSU’s Veterans Day celebrations. Bruce and other veterans who have been touched by war were given a special handmade quilt at a Quilts of Valor ceremony in ETSU’s Sherrod Library.

- Dr. Jeff Gray, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, received ETSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award in Service — the university’s highest faculty honor.

- Dr. Ashana Puri, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, earned the 2025 Innovation and Teaching Excellence Award from the Pharmaceutics Section at the AACP Pharmacy Education Annual Meeting in Chicago.

- Faculty promotions were celebrated with Drs. David Cluck, KariLynn Dowling-McClay, Jeff Gray, and Ashana Puri, who also earned tenure.

- Several staff were recognized at ETSU’s recent Celebration of Service: 5 years, Justin White and M. Andrew Young; 15 years, Yaritza Abdelnour; and 30 years, Steve Ellis.

- Numerous students and faculty presented at the National Community Pharmacists Association convention and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy annual meeting. In addition, at the ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge, our students advanced to the quarterfinals, competing in the top eight teams among more than 100 teams nationwide!

Looking Ahead

As we look toward Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, I hope you take pride in how far we’ve come together this semester—and in the bright future ahead.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in pharmacy education, research, and service. Your work continues to shape our college and the next generation of pharmacists who will carry our mission forward.

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