Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy proudly celebrates 25 years of excellence in pharmacy education. Since its founding, LLUSP has prepared pharmacists to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities, building a global network of more than 1,400 alumni who carry the School’s mission around the world.
of Excellence in Pharmacy Education
A Message from the Dean
Our 25th anniversary is a remarkable milestone. It’s a celebration of how far we have come and an invitation to imagine what comes next. It represents an extraordinary legacy of excellence, faith, and service that belongs to every student, graduate, preceptor, faculty and staff member, and friend who has helped shape our School. Together, we carry that legacy forward as we prepare the next generation of pharmacists to lead with purpose, serve with faith, and improve the health and well-being of communities around the world.
History
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy welcomed its first class in the fall of 2002 with a vision to prepare pharmacists for lives of service and meaningful impact. Since then, the School has educated generations of pharmacists who bring clinical excellence, compassion, and a commitment to whole-person care to patients and communities across the nation and around the world.
Looking forward
Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team, and the opportunities for the profession continue to grow. At the School of Pharmacy, we are embracing that future through innovation in education, expanded clinical practice, research, and lifelong learning. Our new PharmD curriculum, growing faculty practice enterprise, and expanded educational pathways are preparing students and to meet the changing needs of patients, communities, and the profession.
But our vision goes beyond professional excellence. We prepare pharmacists who recognize that their knowledge and skills come with a responsibility to serve others. As the School enters its next chapter, we remain committed to preparing pharmacists who lead with compassion and purpose, using their expertise to improve the health and well-being of communities locally and around the world.
Reflecting Back
2026
- Dr. Caroline Sierra, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs elected as Pediatric Pharmacy Association Board Member. Read the News Story.
- California Society of Health-System Pharmacists names the School of Pharmacy student chapter a "Chapter of Distinction." Read the News Story.
- Dr. Ike de la Pena awarded the 2026 AACP ‘Innovation in Teaching’ award. Read the News Story.
- The School establishes a PharmTech-to-PharmD Pathway with San Bernardino Valley College. Read the News Story.
- Dr. Jessa Koch named National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Scholar.
- Dr. Lisa Hong and Dr. Alireza Hayatshahi elected Fellows of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
- Dr. Caroline Sierra named Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
- Dr. Justin Kinney named Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
- Dean Kyle Sousa appointed the Walgreens Pharmacy Deans Advisory Council.
- The School of Pharmacy begins the implementation of its newly designed Doctor of Pharmacy program in Fall of 2026.
2025
- Dr. Ike De La Peña receives a $70K research award as part of an NIH-funded project.
- Dr. Randy McDonough elected as the 170th president of the American Pharmacists Association. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy student team of Brianna Bryan, Rita Elhamra, Timothy Streck (‘26) earns second place in the ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge.
- The Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Public Health. Read the News Story.
- Students participated in seven medical mission trips to Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, and Thailand.
2024
- Dr. Kyle Sousa named dean of the School of Pharmacy. Read the News Story.
- Joseph Azurin (‘25) appointed to the APhA-ASP International Standing Committee
- Dr. Caroline Sierra appointed as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy establishes a Pharmacotherapy Clinic for reimbursable clinical services.
- The School of Pharmacy student team of Khayla Chapman (‘26), Brianna Bryan (‘26), Joseph Azurin (‘25), Inshaal Rehman (‘26), Joshua Torres (‘25), Darren Kang (‘25), Nicole Pustea (‘26), and Katherine Reynaldo (‘26) wins the California Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Quiz Bowl Championship.
- The School of Pharmacy students participated in six medical mission trips to Armenia, Belize, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru.
2023
- The Schools of Pharmacy and Behavioral Health receive a $750K grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation to pilot HIV prevention program. Read the News Story.
- Two sets of twin doctors graduate from the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy receives the maximum accreditation term as a Continuing Education Provider through ACPE.
- Former Dean Michael Hogue selected as the American Pharmacists Association 15th Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.
- The School of Pharmacy students participated in four medical mission trips to Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, and Nepal.
2022
- September marks the start of the School of Pharmacy’s 20th year in operation. Read the News Story.
- Dean Michael Hogue and School faculty recognized nationally for immunization efforts. Read the News Story.
- Dr. Willie Davis awarded $3.4 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant to establish the nation’s first Hispanic Center of Excellence in Pharmacy. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy receives a top ten ranking from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for research funding. Read the News Story.
- Dr. Willie Davis appointed Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions.
2021
- ACPE’s Board of Directors grants the maximum accreditation term for LLU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. Read the News Story.
- Dean Michael Hogue appointed to CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy receives grant to send mobile vaccine teams to vulnerable communities in San Bernardino County. Read the News Story.
- The School of Pharmacy recognized nationally for community response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the News Story.
2020
ACPE conducts a comprehensive site visit for purposes of continuing full accreditation.
The Schools of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Health Professions Education.
Dean Michael Hogue elected as the 165th president of the American Pharmacists Association.
2019
Dr. Michael Hogue named Dean of the School of Pharmacy. Read the News Story.
Dr. Kyle Sousa named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Pharmacy. Read the News Story.
Established the Office of Continuing Education and entered into Joint Providership with CEImpact, and ACPE-accredited CPE provider.
Dean Michael Hogue appointed to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the News Story.
2016 | 2017
Dean Emeritus Dr. Billy Hughes retires and receives the distinguished University Service Award.
Dr. Marilyn Herrmann appointed Interim Dean.
Dr. Noreen Chan-Tompkins appointed Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
2015
- The Schools of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Health Informatics.
2012 | 2013
Dr. Wei-Xing Shi, primary investigator of an NIH-funded project, receives $400K research award.
The School of Pharmacy moves into the newly renovated Shryock Hall.
2011
The Schools of Pharmacy and Religion offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Bioethics.
Dr. Rich Maskiewicz, primary investigator of an NIH-funded project, receives $2.2 million research award.
2007
The University selects Dr. Billy Hughes as Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
ACPE grants full accreditation to the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
2006
- The School of Pharmacy graduates its first student cohort.
2003 | 2004
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) grants candidate status to the School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Avis Erickson takes on the role of Executive Associate Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
2002
LLU receives formal authorization from WASC to offer its Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The School of Pharmacy is housed in the newly remodeled West Hall.
Dr. Bart Rippon, Inaugural Dean, welcomes the first class of 34 students.
1995
- LLU Board of Trustees votes to approve the establishment of a School of Pharmacy.