As the First Honor Graduate of the UGA College of Pharmacy PharmD Class of 2025, Dr. Lauren Twitty has a certain distinction among her classmates–she’s the only student who graduated with a perfect 4.0. One of the many rewards of this honor–she was the first student in the Commencement processional and the first graduate to be hooded.
This outstanding academic achievement exemplifies her dedication to the field of pharmacy. Lauren has distinguished herself through a rigorous academic path, scientific excellence, and active involvement in student leadership and community outreach. The First Honor designation —the college’s most prestigious academic distinction—reflects not only scholastic success but a deep commitment to the profession and a lasting contribution to the pharmacy community.
Originally from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Lauren earned a degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico in 2020 before beginning the PharmD program at UGA. Now, after four years of academic excellence, research, and mentorship, she is set to join Eli Lilly as a post-doctoral fellow in Global Scientific Communications.
Her journey through pharmacy school was marked not only by a passion for science, but also by the ability to balance academic rigor with leadership, service, and personal growth. “Pursuing higher education has been a life-changing opportunity,” Lauren reflects. “Like anything difficult, it forces you to balance several priorities at once. The most challenging—but also rewarding— part was managing the ever-shifting balance between academics, social (Go Dawgs!) and personal life, work, and prioritizing my mental health.”
During her time at CoP, she was a member of numerous student organizations, and served in several leadership positions, including President of Rho Chi and Vice President of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists.
Mentorship played a pivotal role in her success. She credits several UGA CoP professors for shaping her path, including Dr. Cory Momany, who introduced her to mRNA research in the Center for Drug Discovery and encouraged her to pursue an internship P1 year; Dr. Jordan Khail, a steadfast mentor through highs and lows; Dr. John Brennan, whose brilliance and generosity left a lasting impact; and Dr. Wided Najahi-Missaoui, whose unwavering support and inspiration helped her become the best version of herself. Lauren shared, “She pushed me to be the best student and person I could be, and I am lucky to call her a friend.”
Lauren set out with a goal of using her education to make a meaningful impact in patient care and pharmaceutical innovation. “I came into pharmacy school with a purpose and a passion for learning,” she says. “The exceptional professors in this program provided the enthusiasm and organizational aspect of academia a student can only dream of—making the ambition to serve others through science an exciting one. I truly believe this is why UGA’s College of Pharmacy remains one of the best programs in the country.”
For Lauren, the First Honor Graduate recognition is more than a personal achievement—it’s a testament to the mentors, faculty, and peers who inspired her. “I’m incredibly humbled,” she says. “This honor will continue to drive my dedication for drug information. Thank you to everyone at UGA!”
