KINGSTON, RI. – April 29, 2014 – Casey Brown, a senior graduating May 18 with his doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island, will tell you he is boring.
But the evidence proves otherwise, including his record of achievement dating back to his senior year at West Warwick High School where he graduated ranked third in the senior class, played football and basketball and was involved in a number of student groups. He also discovered what he wanted to do with his life.
“Basically it came down to the 11th grade when I took honors anatomy and physiology with chemistry. Between the two classes, I said to myself, ‘You know what? I’m really good at this, and I enjoy these topics more than subjects such as history or English” Brown said.
In addition, “My aunt and uncle are pharmacists and my mother is a nurse, so I knew in high school that I wanted to be involved in health care,” said Brown.
During his first two years on campus, Brown was involved with URI’s Student Entertainment Committee (SEC), where he helped bring Jay Leno to campus.
After SEC, Brown joined the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). He enjoyed his time so much with the association that he later ran for president.
“The first year, I was just going to the meetings every week, volunteering for projects here and there around campus and within the local community. However, at the end of that first year, I decided to run for president-elect. I became president the following year. I have been really active in the association for the past three years,” explained Brown.
“The part that I always loved about it and why I decided to run was the opportunity to network with other students and pharmacists. In pharmacy they always say that it’s all about who you know,” said Brown.
“By attending the meetings, you meet people from all around the country. My friends and I look forward to going to the meetings twice a year just to get together. I’ve met people from places as far away as Alaska and Oklahoma,” said Brown.
When asked about his favorite part of the University, Brown said, “My favorite part would be the people I have met.
“I played sports and I was involved in clubs, but when it came down to my academic study in high school I always did it by myself,” said Brown. “But pharmacy school becomes overwhelming fast, especially when we started our core class, a cluster of six to seven credits each semester that brings together material from different aspects of the pharmacy curriculum.”
Professors always stressed that group study was critical so he joined a group with five others.
Brown completed the six-year doctor of pharmacy professional degree, which prepares students for work as pharmacists in retail, hospital, community or other health care agencies. The college also offers the four-year bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences, which prepares research-based work in the private and public sectors. In addition, the college offers programs at the master’s degree and doctoral levels.
As for the future, Brown said, “Ideally I would like to stay in Rhode Island. I’d like to find something either in long-term care or hospital pharmacy.”
Not only does Brown want to stay in Rhode Island, but he would like to maintain his ties to the University. “Besides a job itself, I definitely want to stay involved in the association. When you become a pharmacist, you can join the national organization as a professional.”
This press release was written by Ashley Henry, a communications major interning in URI’s Marketing and Communications Department.
Pictured above
Graduating senior, Casey Brown, stands in the URI Pharmacy Building
Marketing & Communications photo by Michael Salerno Photography.