USC College of Pharmacy wins national business plan competition

The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy has won the 20th annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy National Community Pharmacists Association Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. The team of Jacob King, Fay Hussain and CharLeigh Steverson topped the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy to capture the national title.

Dr. Patti Fabel, Fay Hussain, CharLeigh Steverson, Jacob King, Dr. Jordan Ballou and Pamela Hite from the USC College of Pharmacy.

The students created Blue Ridge Apothecary, building off their experiences gained through the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center at the College of Pharmacy. The team focused on ensuring their mission and vision of their pharmacy matched how they want to be viewed as practitioners.

“We are so very proud of our students for the tremendous work and effort they put into preparing for this competition,” says Dean Stephen J. Cutler. “To earn a spot in the top three nationally and then to win the title is a testament to the dedication of our students, our faculty and our program in preparing them to be leaders in our profession.”

“For independent pharmacy owners, having a solid business plan helps you confront whatever challenges inevitably arise,” says NCPA President Hugh Chancy. “Students participating in this competition grow both personally and professionally; they move into their careers better equipped to roll with the punches and be successful owners and leaders in the industry. While we applaud each team that took part, one was a cut above the rest. Congratulations to the University of South Carolina for rising to the top of a very strong group!”