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

  • Professor Dr. Ike de la Pena appointed to the Editorial Board of Scientific Report. Read the News Story.
  • Dr. Caroline Sierra, associate dean of academic affairs, elected as Pediatric Pharmacy Association Board Member. Read the News Story.
  • Class of 2025 earned an impressive 88.1% first-time pass rate on the NAPLEX, higher than the national average of 86.8%. Read the News Story.
  • California Society of Health-System Pharmacists Names LLUSP Student Chapter the "Chapter of Distinction." Read the News Story.
  • Professor Dr. Ike de la Pena receives national ‘Innovation in Teaching’ award. Read the News Story.
  • New PharmTech-to-PharmD Pathway with San Bernardino Valley College. Read the News Story.
2025

2025

  • Dr. Ike De La Peña receives $70,000 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 earns second place in the ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge.
  • The Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health now offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Public Health to incoming students starting fall 2026. 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 appointed to the APhA-ASP International Standing Committee
  • Dr. Caroline Sierra appointed as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Read the News Story.
  • Classroom renovations for Shryock Hall 233 complete.
  • The School of Pharmacy opens the Pharmacotherapy Clinic for reimbursable clinical services.
  • The School of Pharmacy student team wins the California Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Quiz Bowl Championship 
  • Dr. Vicki Maskiewicz awarded $75,000 GRASP grant.
  • 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 receives a $750,000 grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) 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 Dr. Michael Hogue assumes the role American Pharmacists Association 15th Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Students participated in four medical mission trips to Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, and Nepal.
2022

2022

  • September marks the start of the School's 20th year. Read the News Story.
  • School of Pharmacy dean, faculty member, recognized nationally for immunization efforts. Read the News Story.
  • LLUSP is the nation’s first Hispanic Center of Excellence in Pharmacy and will provide educational and training opportunities for the local community, increase representation among pharmacists, and address health issues throughout the Inland Empire. Read the News Story.
  • Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy received a top ten ranking from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for research funding. The School ranked #3 in the Western United States and #15 nationally among 72 private schools of pharmacy for total extramural research funding awards during fiscal year 2021. Out of 143 pharmacy schools in the United States, LLU School of Pharmacy ranked #66. Read the News Story.
2021

2021

  • ACPE’s Board of Directors grants the maximum accreditation term for LLU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. Read the News Story.
  • The School of Pharmacy dean 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 now offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Health Professions Education.
  • Dean Dr. Michael Hogue elected as the 165th president of the American Pharmacists Association.
2019

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.
  • Dr. Wei-Xing Shi awarded third GRASP grant.
  • Dean Dr. Michael Hogue appointed to the COVID-19 Vaccine Workgroup. 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 now offer a dual degree program for PharmD + Masters of Health Informatics.
  • Dr. Wei-Xing Shi awarded second GRASP grant.
2012 | 2013

2012 | 2013

  • The School of Pharmacy moves into the newly renovated Shryock Hall.
  • Dr. Wei-Xing Shi awarded GRASP grant.
2011

2011

  • The Schools of Pharmacy and Religion now 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 first class of 34 students.
     
1995

1995

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