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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences History

WSU doctor of pharmacy program accredited through 2031

The Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has received confirmation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) that effective February 6, 2023, the college has been successfully reaccredited for its doctor of pharmacy program through June 2031. The standard length of accreditation is 8 years (some programs may be accredited for fewer years, but never beyond 8 years).

“I’m so pleased with the overwhelmingly positive responses we received from our accreditation site visitors,” said Mark Leid, dean of the college. “I have been privileged to be a part of a total of five accreditation site visits over my 30 years in … » More …

Step into history: WSU pharmacy’s first female faculty member

When Belle Wenz first stepped onto the State College of Washington (WSC) campus in the fall of 1918—renamed Washington State University in 1959–the world was in the midst of a global pandemic and World War I was just coming to a close. When she received her graduate of pharmacy (PhG) degree in 1920, women had just won the right to vote, and prohibition was in full swing in the United States. She went on to receive pharmaceutical chemist (PhC) and bachelor of science in pharmacy degrees in 1922, earning a four-year degree in a time when a two-year degree was the norm. It was a … » More …

Meet pharmacy’s new dean

Pharmacy and research were never part of WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean Mark Leid's life plan, but dreams of becoming a Division 1 football player and following his then girlfriend to the WSU College of Pharmacy, led him on an unlikely path to a lifelong career as a pharmacist and researcher. » More ...

Accepted by a penny postcard: reflections of a class of 1941 graduate

It is a rare opportunity to hear stories from the past, during a time when email and cell phone cameras didn’t exist. Today we bring you a first-person account from an amazing woman, Kathryn Hammarstedt (formerly Church), and her memories of attending pharmacy school at WSU just before the start of World War II. Hammarstedt began her career in the 40s when a woman in science was far from common. After taking a hiatus to raise four children, she transitioned back to her lifelong practice. Hammarstedt turns 100 years-old on June 16 and we would like to celebrate her many years of wisdom with our … » More …

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences building opens

The opening of the new Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences building in November 2013 allowed for the consolidation of the College of Pharmacy on WSU’s Spokane campus after many years of students, faculty and staff traveling 70 miles between Pullman and Spokane.

More than 400 people attended a dedication ceremony for the building in December, including many Spokane community leaders who actively advocated for state funding for the building’s construction.

The building is shared by the College of Pharmacy and the Medical Sciences/Medical Education program.

Consolidation of the College of Pharmacy at Spokane is an integral part of Washington State University’s strategy to make the Spokane … » More …

ESSB 5557 and beyond: the future of the pharmacy profession

ESSB 5557Former Senator Linda Evans Parlette represented Washington’s 12th Legislative District from 1996 to 2016 and is the fourth generation in her family born and raised in central Washington. Parlette graduated from Chelan High School as valedictorian, attended Washington State University and in 1968 graduated from the WSU pharmacy program with honors. Parlette served on three standing Senate committees: Health Care, Rules, and Ways and Means. Her experience as a pharmacist was as a good foundation for her work on health care issues.

In May 2015, Governor Jay Inslee signed the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) … » More …

College of Pharmacy History – WSU Drug Garden

A project that Asa F. Maxwell began working on shortly after his arrival as Head of the pharmacy program was the development of a medicinal plant garden. The place of pharmacognosy in the education of pharmacy students was very strong at that time and it was common for colleges of pharmacy to maintain gardens as a source of plant materials so that students might become familiar with their identities and to instruct students in the collecting, drying and storing of them. » More ...

Leadership in the Profession – Diabetes education

“Go make me proud.” – R. Keith Campbell

R. Keith Campbell: emeritus professor, powerhouse in diabetes education, pharmacy advocate, WSU legacy

old photo of campbellWashington State University is preparing the pharmacists of the future who practice at the top of their education to meet the expanding health care needs of patients today and tomorrow. From promoting individual health and wellness to promoting healthy communities and populations, WSU is at the forefront of pharmacy education that is defining a new role for the pharmacists as part of the health care team.

Campbell has set an example of … » More …

Generations in Pharmacy

Cougar pharmacists are some of the most highly sought-after pharmacy professionals for their expertise, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the contributing factors to this is that Cougs are notoriously generous when it comes to mentoring, precepting or volunteering with the next generation of WSU student pharmacists. In fact, one of the things that sets the WSU College of Pharmacy apart from other pharmacy programs is the sense of community that comes from being a WSU Cougar.

As our late president Elson S. Floyd put it, “There is something special about WSU and even more special about being a Coug. It’s about family taking care … » More …