Featured Senior: Mackenzie Harris, D’12

Pharmacy
Hometown: Bucyrus, Ohio

Mackenzie Harris feels like a professional who is ready to practice pharmacy after graduation, thanks to The University of Findlay’s pharmacy faculty and rigorous curriculum. After working in two different pharmacies, each for three years as a pharmacy technician, Harris made the decision to pursue a doctor of pharmacy and be a practicing pharmacist. With the support of her husband, Harris made it through the program and will graduate in May 2012.

The small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio drew Harris to UF. In Findlay’s program, “I have always felt the ultimate goal was that I learn the material so I could be effective as a pharmacist making an impact on patients and moving the profession forward,” she said. “The professors have always been willing to do whatever it takes to help me be successful not only as a student but also as a professional.”

Richard Dudley, Ph.D., and Rahul Khupse, Ph.D., for example, served as research advisers for Harris and some classmates when they prepared a project and presented it at the University’s annual Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity.

“They helped us take our rough idea and shape it into a useful project,” said Harris. “They were always willing to help us during research and guided us as we processed the data to achieve a solid conclusion and presentation.” Harris said that other professors always were willing to give direction when choosing internship opportunities by suggesting sites and practice types and then helping make the right contacts.

Harris encourages other students to use their college experiences to be well positioned for success after they graduate. “College is not about getting good grades,” she said. “Good grades are a result of accomplishing the tasks set before you and legitimately learning and preparing for the future.”

Harris worked for Kroger prior to starting classes at Findlay, and she continued working there during class, as a technician her first three years and eventually completing an internship there. The company offered Harris a contract to work as a pharmacist after she completes her degree and licensing requirements. She accepted the offer and is excited to continue her career at the same place she started.