by Bryson Durst, Student Public Relations Writer
Two students in Cedarville University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program were recently chosen for key leadership roles in the national pharmacy society Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the Pharmacy Leadership Society (PLS).
Erin Ballentine, a fourth-year professional pharmacy student from Walkersville, Maryland, was elected one of two national members-at-large for PLS. In that role, she sits as one of six members on the society’s executive committee, oversees the regional liaisons who in turn oversee local PLS campus chapters, and meets with local chapters to deliver leadership challenges.
Sam Treinish, a fourth-year professional pharmacy student from Granville, Ohio, was selected as a regional liaison. She will oversee 14 campus chapters throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, meet with chapter presidents and vice presidents and connect local chapters to one another and the national leadership.
"This highlights yet another occasion where our students have been recognized by others around the country for their excellence in service and leadership,” said Dr. Zach Jenkins, associate professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville.
Jenkins noted that in order to obtain their leadership positions, Ballentine and Treinish competed with students from around the country. Ballentine ran to be a national member-at-large and was elected over the summer by the house of delegates, a meeting of representatives from each campus chapter. She was selected from a field of candidates with strong leadership qualifications. Treinish was selected by national leadership after applying to be a regional liaison.
“I was really excited,” Ballentine said about her election. “I think it will be a really great opportunity for me to grow my own leadership skills and strengths.”
“I was really honored,” Treinish said of her selection as regional liaison. “I’m just excited for not only the year of growth for the students I oversee but also myself as I push myself into a larger role in pharmacy.”
PLS is a professional organization that fosters leadership in the world of pharmacy. The society’s website states that members are selected by their peers. Requirements for joining include a cumulative grade point average above 2.5, a year of academic work in a recognized professional pharmacy program, and high moral and ethical character.
Ballentine cited her experience in Cedarville’sschool of pharmacy, including her involvement in various student organizations and the investment of professors and advisors, as helping prepare her for a leadership role. Treinish mentioned that the school’s professors and students pushed, encouraged, and supported her in her growth as a leader.
“It’s been a really great opportunity to be at Cedarville and be so intently challenged to grow,” Treinish said.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Doctor of Pharmacy program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.