Discover the key moments

These moments that have defined who we are, led to achievements that have advanced our school, and the steps that continue to guide our path forward as we prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy Milestones

Looking Back

2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019

  • 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

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

2015

  • The Schools of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Health Informatics. 
2012 | 2013

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

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

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

2006

  • The School of Pharmacy graduates its first student cohort.
     

 

2003 | 2004

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

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

1995

  • LLU Board of Trustees votes to approve the establishment of a School of Pharmacy.