Faculty recognized for teaching excellence

Danny Riche (left), Laurie Fleming, John Rimoldi, Tracy Brooks and Jay Pitcock

chool of Pharmacy classes recognized their outstanding teachers and preceptors during awards day this spring.

Students in the first year of the professional pharmacy program (PY1) honored John Rimoldi as their Teacher of the Year, while Tracy Brooks and Laurie Fleming received Teacher of the Year awards from the PY2 and PY3 classes, respectively. PY4 students selected Jay Pitcock as their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Preceptor of the Year and Danny Riche as their Introductory Practice Experience Preceptor of the Year.

Rimoldi, professor of medicinal chemistry, teaches pharmacogenetics and pharmacoimmunology to PY1 students. His research activities include programs in drug discovery and development, natural products chemistry, and environmental toxicology.

“Dr. Rimoldi takes so much pride in his lectures,” said Todd Harris of Clinton, PY1 class president. “He doesn’t just get up on stage and lecture to us, but instead he engages us in his conversation describing the slides with great detail. Just 10 minutes into his time, you are able to feel his excitement being able to teach material that he’s truly passionate about.”

Brooks, assistant professor of pharmacology, joined UM’s pharmacy faculty in fall 2011. She co-teaches Basic and Clinical Pharmacology I and II, and teaches the elective Fundamentals of Oncology. Her research interests include identifying and characterizing new targets for anticancer therapies.  

“While Dr. Brooks is a great lecturer and leader in her field, she is easily approachable and takes the time to get to know us outside of class,” said Stephanie Sollis of Corning, Arkansas, PY2 and student body president-elect. “She also has a heart of gold and supports charities such as Relay for Life. She’s an intellectual, student advocate and role model. We are lucky to have taken her classes.”

Fleming, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, has an ambulatory care practice and facilitates problem-based learning groups for third-year students. In addition, she is heavily involved in pharmacy students’ service projects at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and in the Jackson area.

“Dr. Fleming is one of the most sincere and kindhearted individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” said Christine Hayden of Birmingham, Alabama, PY3 and student body president. “She always has a smile on her face and encourages students to be the best they can be. She is compassionate towards all students and truly loves her job and the profession of pharmacy.”

Pitcock, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, and Riche, associate professor of pharmacy practice, both provide PY3 and PY4 students with introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences, or rotations, at UMMC in Jackson.

“Dr. Riche is dedicated to teaching us about our profession and is enthusiastic about his practice,” said Pharm.D. class president Dillon Clark of Pittsboro. “He does not always tell you what you want to hear, but it’s always the truth. That’s why he is such a good teacher – he tells you how it really is.”

About Pitcock, Clark said, “He is an active teacher who genuinely cares about your well-being not only scholastically but also personally. He makes you excited to come to rotation and has a unique way of teaching difficult concepts so that they are easier to understand.”