Two inducted into student Hall of Fame

Dean David D. Allen (left), Katie Sims and Scott Hicks

octor of Pharmacy students Katie Sims of Athens, Ala., and Scott Hicks of New Albany were inducted into the School of Pharmacy's Hall of Fame during commencement ceremonies.

They were selected by their classmates for their significant scholastic and professional contributions to the school.

Sims is president of UM's graduating Doctor of Pharmacy class and served as president of her class the previous two years. She also received the school's inaugural Ainsworth Leadership Award in 2011 and is a co-founder of the University Designated Drivers at Ole Miss. She is a member of Phi Lambda Sigma pharmacy leadership society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

"Katie was our class champion," said classmate Ashley Rather of Oxford. "She listened to our suggestions and complaints willingly. She got things done for our class and always kept a positive attitude. I am proud that she is representing us in the Hall of Fame."

Upon graduation, Sims will begin a residency with Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, Ala.

Hicks received his bachelor's in chemistry from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana before enrolling in the UM pharmacy school's medicinal chemistry graduate program. As a graduate student, he found his "true calling" and enrolled in the professional pharmacy program.

He is a member of Rho Chi pharmacy honor society and Sigma Xi scientific research society. As a graduate student in medicinal chemistry, he received the department's Noble-Sam Student Research Award in 2000 and 2002. He also was named Class Member of the Year by his classmates during the school's awards program in April.

Hicks has accepted a job with Walgreens in the Jackson district, which he will begin after graduation.

"Scott is genuine, reliable and insightful," Sims said. "Scott is exactly the kind of person you would want to be your pharmacist. He's trustworthy, professional and very knowledgeable. Our class has a lot of respect for him."