Pharmacy Matters, Family Matters:

Staff member helps make pharmacy school a friendly place

Jean Pinion

ince Oxford native Jean Pinion began working in the School of Pharmacy in July 1990, she has helped scores of students and faculty. She is a senior administrative secretary supporting Charles Hufford, associate dean for research and graduate programs, and Alicia Bouldin, associate dean of outcomes assessment and learning advancement. In her 23 years with the school, she has worn many hats: problem solver, report writer, meeting scheduler and even teaching assistant for Hufford’s classes. Pharmacy Matters recently interviewed Pinion about her time at the pharmacy school.

Q: What has been the most enjoyable aspect of working at the School of Pharmacy?
A: We have such a great group of students, and I really enjoy getting to know them. I love seeing the changes in them from coming in as naïve young students and leaving us as very professional men and women!

Q: Who has influenced you the most while working at the pharmacy school? Why?
A: Dr. Hufford is such an intelligent person, but he also has so much common sense. He has accomplished so much in his career, but is very dedicated to his family and has a passion for bowling. He is the person everyone goes to for answers to problems, but he also loves taking time off to go to bowling tournaments. He is truly an inspiration to me.

Q: Do you have a funny story you can recount about working in the school?
A: One of our faculty members had a broken leg and borrowed a scooter to use to go across campus for meetings. One day, when most of the faculty was out of the office, some of the staff members had a lot of fun riding up and down the halls on the scooter. It had two speed settings: one with a turtle and one with a rabbit. Some of the staff would use the rabbit setting, and the scooter would take off! The fun was over when the faculty member came back, even though I think he wanted to join in!

Q: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment at the school?
A: I think pharmacy faculty, staff and students feel that they can come to me and expect to get help. If I can’t help them, I will find someone who will.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love spending time with my family, including my three precious grandchildren. My husband is a musician (banjo player), and we have a bluegrass show once a month. I am also very active in a Christian discipleship program called “Cursillo.”