Doctor of pharmacy and master of business administration
Hometown: Springfield, Ohio  

Originally from Springfield, Ohio, Amanda McMullen did not believe that class size was important until she transferred from a large state university to The University of Findlay. With enrollment in general education classes at her previous university numbering in the hundreds, McMullen was enticed by the small class sizes that Findlay offered.

“My successful completion of the rigorous pharmacy course work concurrently with the MBA course work is due largely, in part, to Findlay’s small class sizes and the motivation from my professors,” said McMullen. 

The small class sizes motivated McMullen in more ways than one. With pharmacy classes capped at 35 students, the professors are able to develop relationships with all their students.

“This was a large motivation factor, not only to make sure I attended classes early in the morning, but also a study motivator because I did not want to let my professors down by scoring poorly on an exam,” said McMullen. “I felt all of my professors were genuinely concerned with how I was developing as a student pharmacist, and many were open to chat whenever I had a concern or just needed a word of encouragement.”

Pharmacy students are required to meet at least twice a year with a faculty member to plan, schedule and discuss their academic progress.

McMullen noted that she was fortunate enough to have a faculty member who encouraged her to pursue an MBA in addition to a Pharm.D. No other student has ever successfully completed this combination at Findlay.

McMullen also noted that the high standard to which the pharmacy faculty hold their students prepared her extremely well for her experiential rotation year.

During the nine months of work experience during the rotational year, McMullen saw truth in what she had always heard about the ‘pharmacy world’ being small. “It is important to be involved and always conduct oneself in a professional manner in pharmacy because there is always someone nearby whom you may bump into at a later date,” she noted.

The activities and opportunities that McMullen participated in during her collegiate career have fine-tuned her independent thinking skills and have also provided her with a diverse educational and experiential background.

McMullen is a member of the Academy of Student Pharmacists and in her free time, she enjoys running with her dog, Jayda. Not only does Jayda enjoy the exercise, but McMullen also finds the activity a huge reliever of stress.

“Keep your eye on the prize no matter what is thrown your way. Intelligence can only take a person so far, but I feel drive and determination are the true keys to success,” McMullen offers to incoming students.

McMullen will receive both a doctor of pharmacy and a master of business administration with a concentration in health care management in the spring of 2011.

Her best memory of Findlay is the overall compilation of enjoyable times with a group of friends that “…can never be replaced.” She attributes her perseverance to the motivation and support from her friends. “The friendships I developed will last a lifetime. We are already starting to plan an annual trip just to keep in touch after graduation!”  

By Elizabeth Scarff