Allen selected as national pharmacy ambassador

Austin Allen, a student in the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, has been selected as a Pharm4Me Student Ambassador by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Allen is one of just 43 students nationwide chosen for the inaugural cohort of the program.

The Pharm4Me Student Ambassador Program is designed to promote pharmacy education and careers to prospective students across the country. Student ambassadors serve one‑year terms, during which they engage in outreach activities such as creating content for Pharm4Me social media platforms and participating in national recruitment events.

Allen views the Pharm4Me program as a natural extension of his College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions ambassadorship. “I am an ambassador here for the college, and I really enjoy giving tours and telling potential students about our program,” he said.

According to James Clem, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions associate dean for student services, nominating Allen for the program was an easy decision. “When speaking with students either individually or as part of a student panel, Austin always provided very useful information to prospective students and insight on how to navigate the journey toward the pharmacy program,” Clem said.

His sentiment was echoed by Brooke Merry, the college’s recruitment and outreach coordinator. “It’s been easy to see Austin’s passion for helping others understand the value of education, especially in pursuit of a pharmacy degree. We’re thrilled to see the impact he has on future students choosing pharmacy,” she said.

Originally from Beaver Creek, Minnesota, Allen developed an early interest in healthcare while working as a certified nursing assistant and trained medication aide in long-term care facilities. These experiences sparked his interest in medications and ultimately led him to pursue pharmacy.

Currently, Allen works as a pharmacy intern at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. He is also president of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, where he has been actively involved in student leadership development.

“Being a Pharm4Me student ambassador means aiding in the recruitment of future pharmacy students and being a great advocate for the profession,” Allen told the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. “It’s about helping others discover the many different paths you can take with a pharmacy degree and educating students on the high level of impact pharmacists have on daily patient care. I hope to encourage students with my own stories and experiences as they consider a career in pharmacy.”