Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Elder, Clinical Professor and Interim Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate and Professional Education in the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, who was presented the William T. Robie III Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award yesterday (Feb. 8th). She received the award during the annual William T. Robie Lecture and Award event held yesterday (February 8th) at the College.
Honoring the legacy of William T. Robie, III ’70, the first African American to graduate from the College of Pharmacy, the award is presented to an individual who advocates for a more equitable and inclusive society.
The first African American full professor in the PBS Department, Dr. Elder is a formulation scientist in pharmaceutics, with more than 35 years of research experience ranging from recombinant DNA to surveillance study of antineoplastic agents to dosage form design. Documentation of her research can be found in the American Journal of Pharmacy Education, the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, and Pharmaceutical Development and Technology. Her current research projects focus on the preparation of extemporaneously prepared sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products, expiration dating of compounded non-sterile pharmaceuticals, drug formulation for individualized patient care, and the use of technology in teaching and assessing pharmacy skills.
Dr. Elder is a Double Dawg with Bachelor’s and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees she received in 1991 and 2007 respectively. A 2022-23 Fellow of the UGA Women’s Leadership Program, Dr. Elder is past president and current vice president of the UGA Black Faculty and Staff Organization, a mentor, a CURO and HONORS professor, and an advisor to Student National Pharmaceutical Association concerned with health issues affecting minority and underserved communities. She is a past board member of Aids Athens, and past board member of Bigger Visions of Athens, a local winter emergency shelter.
One nominator noted, “As a pharmacy educator, Dr. Elder works diligently to advance DEI efforts and improve healthcare disparities in minority and underserved populations and communities.”
Kudos to Dr. Elder on this deserving honor!
Dean Kelly Smith and Dr. Deborah Elder
