Our graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of opportunities after earning a degree from the College of Pharmacy. Here they share some of those unique stories and experiences. Meet our Gamecock pharmacy family.
Meet Zoe Ayers, a community and retail pharmacy practitioner who is putting her Gamecock education to work on the front lines of patient care. Recognized as an emerging leader, Zoe received SCPhA's Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award in 2025.
Sepideh Manafi has quickly made a name for herself in the field of retail pharmacy. She's grateful for the mentorship she received along the way — and for the opportunity to pay it forward and help the next generation grow.
As a pharmacy student, Jared Ham dreamed of a career in hospital pharmacy. Now, you'll find him studying for his Masters of Public Health degree and preparing for his next big career shift from medical science liaising to clinical development.
Currently serving as director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Tucker A. Patterson cites his graduate research at USC as setting him on the path to this role.
Michelle Stokes Cakley works as a pharmacist at South Carolina Oncology Associates, where she and other members of the clinical team help patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment.
Amanda Capino found a ‘home away from home’ at South Carolina, combining her passions as a pharmacy student and member of the famed Carolina Band. Following graduation and residency, Amanda began her career in pediatric pharmacy and academia at Ole Miss.
Alumna Uche Anadu Ndefo remembers the moment in school it clicked for her that pharmacy touches the lives of real people. That realization has guided her through an accomplished career in academia and outcomes sciences.
Alumnus Christopher M. Bland measures his success by the meaningful relationships formed with colleagues and students throughout his career. After 15 years working in clinical pharmacy, he transitioned to his current role as a clinical professor at the University of Georgia.
Alumna Montgomery Williams Green is an associate professor at Belmont University and pharmacy chair of a nationally-recognized Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Tennessee. She credits the top-tier pharmacy education she received at USC with helping her achieve it all.
Alumna Caitlin Musgrave Mardis will tell you that from a young age, she's had a passion for teaching. Returning to her alma mater allowed her to lean into this passion, as both the Director of Continuing Education and a faculty member.
Alumnus Gene Reeder insists his "blood runneth garnet." With a bachelor's degree in pharmacy (1973), master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences (1977), and doctorate in business administration (1983) from USC, it's no surprise he returned to teach and conduct research at his beloved alma mater.
Growing up with Gamecock pharmacist parents, Sam Glenn was well-versed in what it meant to work in retail pharmacy. It wasn’t until a visit to campus that he learned of the roles pharmacists can play in clinical settings.
Alumna Krishnan Larkin Brown was completing a master’s degree when pharmacy school caught her eye. With two young children, strong motivation and a little bit of grace, she has navigated her way to a successful career in clinical pharmacy.
For alumna Julia G. Mims, education and perseverance were the keys to her dream career as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – though “volunteer” is a title she holds equally important on her life's resume.
Since graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, alumna and New Hampshire-native Taylor Ward has traveled the globe and landed back in New England, as a clinical pharmacist at Boston Medical Center caring for patients living with HIV.
Alumnus Cory Jenks works as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. His passion for improvisational comedy led him to another unique role in the field of health care.
Alumnus Ken Couch began his pharmacy career as a part-time drug clerk at just 15 years old. By the time he retired in 2016, he was at the helm of a company bringing in $2.4 billion a year delivering technology and services to pharmacies across the country.
Alumna Christi Epps' trailblazing spirit comes from her mother, who was one of the first women to graduate from the USC College of Pharmacy. She's continuing that legacy and inspiring future generations as a leader in the business of pharmacy.
Alumna Donna J. Walker created and endowed the Walker Pharmacy Leadership Scholars Endowment Fund, launching a student leadership initiative that identifies, educates, and recognizes pharmacy student leaders at USC.
Sepideh Manafi has quickly made a name for herself in the field of retail pharmacy. She's grateful for the mentorship she received along the way — and for the opportunity to pay it forward and help the next generation grow.
Alumna Lillian Prioleau-Hill discovered her knack for medication consultation while earning a nursing degree from USC. She earned a second degree in pharmacy and has utilized both skill sets throughout her career to provide patient-centered care in the retail pharmacy setting.
If alumnus James "Jim" Long has learned anything from his decades of experience in pharmacy, it's to always keep looking forward. Jim retired in 2022 after a 30+ year tenure at Fort Jackson followed by 8 years of teaching in the College of Pharmacy.
Alumnus Jonathan R. McFall sees his work as a chance to serve a higher purpose, which he does through both his civilian role on Fort Jackson and his service in the Army Reserves. When the first wave of COVID-19 hit, he was mobilized to help bolster the fight.
Alumnus and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Everett B. McAllister's illustrious career was built on a foundation of integrity, service and excellence – but it was an even deeper calling which directed his career path.
Alumna Chelsea Drennen (2019 Pharm.D.) turned an inspiring fourth-year rotation experience into a postgraduate residency and then full-time pharmacist position at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Alumnus Eduardo “Eddie” Seijo may have stumbled into pharmacy by accident, but he soon found his calling – and his family – within the walls of our college. Eddie is currently the Acute Care Pharmacy Operations Director for Atrium Health.
Alumnus George Edward "Ed" Vess, Jr., has experienced a variety of pharmacy fields over the course of his career, ultimately landing at RedSail Technologies, a leading provider of pharmacy software solutions headquartered in Spartanburg, SC.
Alumnus Sam Watson has been a transformational leader over the course of his career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. His keys to success: grit, clinical skill, and passion to provide quality clinical education that empowers the patient.
Alumnus Nirmesh Shah recognizes that in the broad field of pharmacy, some people are just made for certain roles. He credits University of South Carolina faculty with helping him uncover his perfect career path in the pharmaceutical industry.
Alumnus William “Billy” Caudle, Jr. helped introduce novel treatments for mental health disorders to the Carolinas throughout his career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Christine E. Bonarrigo's life experiences continue to drive her to help others. She currently works as a pharmacist for S.C. Department of Mental Health, among a variety of other roles.
University of South Carolina alumna Jordan Cooler (2016 Pharm.D.) fulfills her passion for helping others by serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy and psychiatric pharmacist with USC Student Health Services.
Michelle Stokes Cakley works as a pharmacist at South Carolina Oncology Associates, where she and other members of the clinical team help patients navigate the complexities of cancer treatment.
Sonia Shaw Everhart came to USC to gain knowledge from an entirely new set of professors after earning her B.S. in pharmacy from another university. That same drive to learn and achieve has helped her rise to the top in the field of critical care pharmacy.
Alumnus Sean Tran set aside his childhood dream of joining the Jedi Order to pursue a career in pharmacy. Like his father before him, he's found joy in the clinical pharmacy profession.
Alumna Pamela Quizon graduated with a Ph.D. from the College of Pharmacy department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences. Her fluency in the biomedical sciences helped her design a unique career path in biotechnology marketing.
Currently serving as director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Tucker A. Patterson cites his graduate research at USC as setting him on the path to this role.
Alumna Melanie Lobel combines her pharmacy expertise with an M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina. She works at the intersection of these disciplines, serving as a consultant psychiatrist for Lexington Medical Center.
As far back as he can remember, alumnus Woodrow Bell dreamed of being a doctor. Now he lives out that childhood dream providing accessible, compassionate care to underserved populations in the state.
Email us at alumni@cop.sc.edu to participate in a future alumni Q&A.
