Timeline
1903: The Committee on Laws and Disciplines of the Board of Trustees authorized the organization of a School of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia in Athens. At the same time, a local physician, Dr. Samuel C. Benedict was appointed to the chair of Materia Medica in the School. Space was allocated in Science Hall but, in November 1903, it burned to the ground
1905: Terrell Hall was constructed on the site and was occupied in June 1905. Since graduation from a college or high school was not a requirement to practice pharmacy at that time, many students enrolled, took classes for a year and then apprenticed in a pharmacy.
1907: Mr. Robert C. Wilson was elected Instructor in Pharmacy
1908: The first graduating class was 1908, when three students received their Pharmacy Graduate (Ph.G) degree.
1914: Upon the death of Dr. Benedict, Mr. Robert C. Wilson was named Director of the Department of Pharmacy
1920: The first woman enrolled in the School of Pharmacy
1924: Mr. Robert C. Wilson became Dean of the School of Pharmacy
1925: Robert C. Wilson signed his first annual report with the title of dean, and noted that the pharmacy graduating class included women for the first time. These were Gloria Miller, Evelyn O’Quinn, and Marcella Richardson.
1926: Dean Wilson’s continuous efforts to improve pharmacy in Georgia led to the development of one of the first four-year required pharmacy degrees in the nation.
1939: The school moved to quarters in New College and was accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, a rating that has been maintained since then.
1948: Dr. Kenneth L. Waters was named Dean of the School of Pharmacy in 1948. Under his guidance, the school grew to the point where a new facility was deemed essential.
1951: The School’s graduate degree program began with the Master’s program.
Late 1950s: The faculty roster began to include women when Norma V. Beecham and Billie Wickliffe were listed as instructors.
1964: The new facility was completed and presented an opportunity for student body and faculty growth. With faculty experiencing the greatest percentage increase, academic programs were improved and research output was significantly increased. The service program developed rapidly to the point where several faculty members were involved. Externship and clinical programs were required of undergraduate students in an effort to present the optimum learning experience; the Ph.D. degree program was authorized.
1965: The first students of the five-year pharmacy program graduated.
1967: The first Master’s and Ph.D. degrees were granted
1970: The first African-American student, William Robie, graduated.
1977: Dr. Howard C. Ansel was named Dean. During his tenure, the name of the school was changed to the College of Pharmacy to reflect the unit’s expanded educational, research, and service roles.
1978: On Dr. Wilson’s 100th birthday, the building was named the Robert C. Wilson Pharmacy Building. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program was offered as a post-baccalaureate degree program and as a tracking option. The Clinical Pharmacy Program at the Medical College of Georgia was established and an assistant dean of pharmacy was named as its administrator. The graduate and research programs of the College were also strengthened through major building renovations, making the College of Pharmacy one of the premier research units on campus.
1983: The reading room was named in honor of the late Professor Ford C. Millikan; An office of Postgraduate Continuing Education was established to provide for the continuing education needs of the practitioner.
1991: Dr. Stuart Feldman of the University of Houston was named Dean. During his tenure the College received Georgia State lottery funds to increase technology in education and the Millikan Educational Resources Center was converted to a computer laboratory for student access. The curriculum was changed from the quarter to the semester system, and the entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy degree and the Non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Pathway Program were initiated. A full-time experiential coordinator was hired.
2000: Dr. Svein Øie of the University of California San Francisco became Dean on January 1. Under his guidance, the College has increased its class size, expanded its regional presence, been involved in establishing a Center for Drug Discovery and a Center for Mass Destruction Defense, increased interdisciplinary research and strengthened its research focus. With full implementation of the entry-level PharmD program, the clinical faculty has been augmented, clinical activities increased, and the College has become actively involved in residency training.
2003: The College celebrated its centennial. Fundraising efforts have increased the number of scholarships, endowed professorships and augmented available funds for building enhancements.
2007: The Georgia Legislature approved funding of $44 million for a new 93, 288 square foot addition. Known as “Pharmacy South,” the new facility was built adjacent to the Robert C. Wilson Pharmacy Building
2009: Pharmacy South was dedicated in September
2010: Renovation of more than 60% of the Wilson Building was completed
2011: Opened Southwest Georgia clinical campus in Albany in spring. Provided classroom and student lab space for the Pharm. D. Program and graduate certificate residency program in South Georgia.
2013: Inaugural class of B.S. students began Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical sciences
2015: Savannah Campus earns accreditation for Pharm.D. in Southeast Georgia
2018: Dr. Kelly M. Smith became Dean on August 1.
Today: The College of Pharmacy has made significant strides over the years and will continuously strive for growth and excellence in the pharmacy profession, its students, faculty and staff.
