First FAMU CoPPS, IPH Alumnus Michael Allan Jackson Receives Honorary Doctorate
First FAMU CoPPS, IPH Alumnus Michael Allan Jackson, BPharm, CPh Receives Honorary
Doctorate from his beloved alma mater
"Honor is given to whom honor is due." Romans 13:7
(Photo & Layout Credits: Johnnie Lee Early, FAMU Office of Communications, and Layla Richardson, FAMU SJGC Intern)
Tallahassee, FL - FAMU's 12th President Larry Robinson, PhD headed the Spring 2024 Commencement Exercise at FAMU, and the ceremony was especially meaningful to one particular pharmacy alum as he became the first pharmacy graduate (BPharm, 1976) to receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from his beloved alma mater.
Earning recognition is not new to this honoree, e.g., FAMU Pharmacy Alumnus Receives APhA Fellow Award for Outstanding Contributions to Pharmacy Profession. As he is ever pharmacy-relevant, he also serves as the semiretired Executive Vice President and CEO of the Florida Pharmacy Association. "Because of his exemplary leadership in pharmacy in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, the past 25+ years places our honoree among the elite as the first. ... "It is an extreme pleasure to recognize his Honorary Doctor of Science (DS) Degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He sacrificed so much for our faculty, staff, and learners while serving in multiple capacities in pharmacy, highlighting a most stellar career. The best is yet to come for Dr. Jackson with this signet stamp of academe." noted Johnnie L. Early II, PhD, RPh CEO Dean and Professor Fellow NPhA. youtu.be/ZRNhpFTXgM
Q: Explain how you felt when you learned you were nominated to receive an honorary doctorate from FAMU, your alma mater?
A: It is impossible to express the feelings that I had when I was informed of this special honor. Naturally, when I received the notice of intent to award me with the honorary doctorate from the Office of the Provost, the first thing that crossed my mind was somehow, I received an unintended message from the sender. My training as a health care provider kicked in, and my information verification procedures examined what I was provided. It became clear upon several reviews that what I received was the real thing and that something amazing was about to happen. I was convinced that a lot of people I worked with or assisted in some form or fashion were touched to provide input on whether or not I was worthy. Perhaps, I had done something extraordinary and made life better for those that I touched. For those who were involved in this campaign, I humbly say thank you with unlimited gratitude for your support.
Q: What thoughts and emotions flowed on the day that you received it?
A: Over the years, I had the pleasure of attending various graduation events at FAMU. It was an honor to administer the "Oath of the Pharmacist" to the graduating learners of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health by the Florida Pharmacy Association. This is one of the most exciting and rewarding things that a state's pharmacy professional association CEO could be asked to do. Both my children are sons of FAMU, and I watched them receive their degrees with pride that only a father could understand. My own graduation was held in Gaither Gymnasium in August of 1976. To be on the floor of the massive Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and participating with the faculty, graduates, administration, and staff on this special occasion was, to put it mildly, overwhelming. I think often of my parents who were advocates for their four children going to college. Though they are both gone now, I envision them looking down on their second born as the award was presented to me by President Larry Robinson. I could sense their pride deep within the emotions of the moment. It's hard to verbalize, but I am convinced that a strong connection was made with both my family and friends in attendance and those watching through the streaming service.
