The Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH) is celebrating the accomplishments of its future pharmacists after 21 students matched with pharmacy residency programs across the country through the ASHP Pharmacy Residency Matching Program.

Match Day marks a pivotal moment for pharmacy students as they discover where they will begin their postgraduate training. For FAMU, the celebration includes an impressive list of PGY1 and PGY2 matches:

• Kezia Agyare – Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
• Sebastian Alvarez – Winter Haven Hospital/Winter Haven Family Health Center II
• Lana Barfield – VA-Augusta, GA-Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
• Adam Collins – VA - Pensacola, FL - Gulf Coast Veterans HCS
• Noyimot Ibrahim – Eskenazi Health
• Joy Inwang – Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
• Sydney Lampkin – John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital
• Kameryn Lewis – VA - San Antonio, TX - South Texas Veterans HCS
• Jasmyne Noel – Memorial Regional Hospital
• Brianna Piquion – CVS Health - North Houston
• Sreelaksmi Rajeev – Memorial Regional Hospital
• Kaelin Randle – Ascension Rx
• Angela Smith – Memorial Regional Hospital
• Jada Turner – Ascension St. Vincent's Southside
• Rayna Wallace – Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc.
• Joshua Ward – HCA Florida West Hospital
• Garly Ambroise – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler
• Elizabeth Rhodes – Memorial Hospital Pembroke
• Lisa Adea – Kadlec Regional Medical Center
• Nehemie Firmin – Auburn University Clinical Health Services

"The ASHP Match is a powerful benchmark of learner success and an affirmation of the quality of education and training provided at FAMU," said Interim Dean and Professor Seth Y. Ablordeppey, Ph.D. "Each match reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our students but also the effectiveness of our curriculum, mentorship and experiential programs."

Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Professor Jocelyn D. Spates, PharmD, BCPS, emphasized the importance of postgraduate year one, or PGY1, residencies in preparing students for real-world pharmacy practice.

"A PGY1 residency plays a critical role in shaping a learner’s transition from pharmacy school to clinical practice," Spates said. "It fosters the development of clinical judgment, interprofessional collaboration and confidence in delivering patient-centered care."

Among the matched students is Kezia Agyare, who secured a position with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

"I felt elated when I found out I had matched," Agyare said. "My biggest motivation throughout the application and interview process was my family."

FAMU’s pharmacy program has long been recognized for its rigorous curriculum and personalized mentorship. Students receive academic training, experiential learning opportunities and targeted support throughout the residency application process.

"FAMU prepares its learners through a rigorous academic foundation, robust experiential learning and intentional professional development," Ablordeppey said. "Our curriculum emphasizes clinical competence, cultural humility and patient-centered care."

Spates echoed the significance of faculty support.

"Faculty mentorship is instrumental in guiding students through the ASHP Match process," Spates said. "From helping students identify programs aligned with their goals to conducting mock interviews and reviewing application materials, our faculty are deeply invested in student success."

For Agyare, preparation was key.

"I would tell them to work on their letters of recommendation, letter of intent and curriculum vitae as soon as possible," she said.

The success of these students reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its mission to produce highly skilled, practice-ready pharmacists. As they transition into the next phase of their careers, the FAMU community celebrates their hard-earned achievements.

"To the students who matched, congratulations on this incredible achievement," Ablordeppey said. "Your dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence have paid off. We are proud of you and look forward to seeing the meaningful impact you will make in the lives of patients and in the future of pharmacy practice."

With Rattler pride, the College of Pharmacy continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, preparing students to thrive in clinical environments and serve communities across the nation.

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