by Sarah Mummert, Student Public Relations Writer
For the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, diversity is more than a difference in skin color. It encompasses the variety of experiences and perspectives every individual brings to the table. This is a vital component in providing quality health care because a diverse group of people can best serve a diverse community.
This year’s P1 class, the first-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) students, has a population of 47.4% non-white students, with a 41.34% average for the last five years. Students across the program come from places like India, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and from all corners of the United States.
“Given that God’s kingdom is diverse, we want to ensure our pharmacy profession reflects the beauty of His creation,” said Dr. Aleda Chen, associate dean of the school of pharmacy.
Cedarville’s commitment to the biblical truth that every person is created in the image of God is clearly seen in the variety of cultures, ethnicities and skin colors found in its pharmacy classrooms.
“Having students from many different perspectives and backgrounds also has created a wonderful learning community, and it’s a true blessing to engage in growing together,” said Chen.
Second-year Pharm.D. student Sierra Bognear from Detroit, Michigan, has been encouraged by her experiences within the school of pharmacy.
“Building relationships with students from around the world has been one of the most enriching aspects of my experience in the pharmacy program,” said Bognear. “I’ve been involved in the diversity club, collaborating with other minority pharmacy students to organize events that celebrate diversity. Diverse perspectives greatly enhance classroom collaboration, and they have broadened my understanding of global health care.”
Many places around the US and around the world are underserved in health care, causing pharmacy and health care “deserts.” Cedarville sends students into these places equipped with a desire to serve the underserved.
“In Matthew 25, Jesus says that by serving others, we’re serving him,” said Dr. Jeff Bates, dean of the school of pharmacy. “And in Matthew 28, Jesus commissioned his followers to go out into the world and tell people about himself. In the health care programs at Cedarville, we are equipping students to do both well wherever they end up, whether in the US or to the ends of the earth.”
Jake Grasser, a 2021 Pharm.D. graduate, serves in Africa as a missionary. He provides pharmaceutical expertise to local communities there with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE).
Additionally, Dr. Emmanuel Ayanjoke, a former instructor and fellow, opened Altev Community Pharmacy in the Avondale area of Cincinnati, bringing pharmaceutical care to a predominantly Black community that had none.
Cedarville’s values of loving God and serving others with excellence and integrity underpin its devotion to quality education and patient care. Ethnic diversity in the classroom strengthens those values.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.