Third-year PharmD students Marlee McMullan and Emily Moore were inducted into UGA’s Blue Key National Honor Society during a ceremony held at the University Chapel on April 14.
A premier national honors organization, Blue Key recognizes top students from leading institutions who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service, as well as strong character and integrity. Founded in 1926, UGA’s Blue Key chapter is the third oldest in the nation.
Marlee McMullan from Hoschton, GA
For Marlee McMullan, this honor reflects the values instilled by College of Pharmacy faculty and preceptors—emphasizing not only academic excellence, but also meaningful involvement within the college and the broader community. “As someone who prioritizes high ethical and professional standards, joining a group that values integrity and outstanding character means a great deal to me,” said McMullan.
McMullan shares what drives her passion for pharmacy and her aspirations for the future:
Why do you want to be a pharmacist?
Pharmacists make meaningful contributions to patients’ lives through medication expertise and clinical skills. My primary motivation for pursuing pharmacy is a strong desire to positively impact patients through the application of biomedical, chemical, pharmacological, and physiological knowledge. The profession offers lifelong learning, continued growth, and personal fulfillment. It will allow me to improve therapeutic outcomes, challenge myself, think critically, solve complex problems, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Where will you be for your fourth-year rotations? What are you most looking forward to?
I will complete rotations across various practice settings in Southwest Georgia, along with an academia experience on the Athens campus. I am especially looking forward to possibly participating in clinical research, teaching students, and engaging in quality improvement initiatives.
What were you involved in at the College of Pharmacy?
- Secretary and Athens campus representative for the PharmD Class of 2027
- Historian, Alpha Kappa chapter of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society
- Member, PharmD Academic and Professionalism Committee
- Selected panelist, UGA Office of Academic Honesty
- Volunteer, Truth’s Community Clinic (providing free medical and pharmaceutical care to uninsured patients)
- Research participant studying technology’s role in interprofessional interactions
Plans for the future?
Following graduation, I plan to pursue postgraduate residency training and a career as clinical faculty at a college of pharmacy. My current interests include ambulatory care and cardiology. Ultimately, I hope to improve health and well-being by providing exceptional, patient-centered care.
Emily Moore from Evans, GA
Emily Moore views this honor as a symbol of resilience. After facing a difficult personal situation that almost forced her to withdraw from the program, her induction into Blue Key has deepened her gratitude for the mentors, peers, friends, and family who supported her along the way.
Moore reflects on her commitment to service, leadership, and scholarship:
Why do you want to be a pharmacist?
Pharmacy allows me to help people in a way that aligns with my strengths. I am detail-oriented and enjoy working behind the scenes. Any opportunity to improve patient care, whether through optimizing medications or enhancing a patient’s understanding and autonomy, is deeply fulfilling.
Where will you be for your fourth-year rotations? What are you most looking forward to?
I will complete my rotations in Augusta. I am excited to learn the nuances of different practice areas and gain diverse perspectives from preceptors and pharmacists.
What were you involved in at the College of Pharmacy?
- P1 Liaison and Secretary, NHPA
- Member, Curriculum and Assessment Committee
- Researcher, UGA Critical Care Collaborative (UGAC3)
- Immunization Chair and HERE Mentorship Program Coordinator, APSO
- Vice President, Delta Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma
Plans for the future?
I plan to pursue a PGY-1 residency and potentially a PGY-2 in critical care. I am particularly interested in the cardiac ICU, but I look forward to letting my rotations and PGY-1 experience guide my decision.
