A&T, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Partner to Establish Early Assurance Program

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 26, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announces a groundbreaking partnership with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy to introduce an innovative Early Assurance Program (EAP). This collaboration offers current N.C. A&T students with a keen interest in pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy the opportunity for assured admission to the school.

“Our collaboration with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy to establish this early assurance program is a testament to our dedication to empowering our students in their pursuit of pharmacy careers, ensuring they receive top-tier education and support,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. “This partnership underscores our commitment to nurturing academic excellence and equipping our students for prosperous futures in the healthcare sector.”

Candidates for the EAP will undergo a meticulous selection process based on both academic achievements and personal strengths, mirroring the criteria set forth in the A&T admissions process and their first year of collegiate study. The A&T Pre-Professional Scholars Program Office (PPSP) will nominate eligible students who express an interest in pharmacy for the EAP, then the recruitment and admissions committee of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy will conduct interviews and select candidates for admission to the program.

“We are thrilled to welcome our first cohort of highly qualified future pharmacists,” said C. Dinitra White, Ph.D., PPSP director. “This important collaboration is representative of our ongoing efforts to ensure that our students have access to top-tier programs who are committed to a strong and caring healthcare workforce for all communities.”  

To commemorate this partnership, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy will host a kick-off event at A&T’s Barnes Hall Atrium on Wednesday, April 24, from 12:45 to 2 p.m. This event will provide A&T students with an opportunity to gain insights into the EAP and its benefits.

“The Early Assurance Program allows us to admit exceptionally talented students who will become the next generation of pharmacy leaders and innovators,” said Angela Kashuba, Pharm.D., UNC Eshleman School of Pharmacy dean. “This new partnership will open the door for many students to pursue pharmacy.”

Other universities participating in the EAP initiative include Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina-Asheville, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina-Pembroke, University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Western Carolina University. This collaborative effort aims to expand opportunities for aspiring pharmacy professionals across North Carolina.