A Legacy of Caring for the Underserved

A man of uncommon kindness, a dedicated pharmacist, a lifelong learner, and a committed advocate for equal access to education and healthcare

Story by Kelly Collins | Published October 31, 2022

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy alumni Carl Taylor, RPh ’68, spent each day as a pharmacist serving patients in need and ensuring equal access to outstanding healthcare for all. He remained steadfast in his commitment to his patients until he passed away suddenly in September 2021.

Carl was a man of uncommon kindness, a dedicated pharmacist, lifelong learner, committed advocate for equal access to education and healthcare, and fervent fan of his beloved UNC. He was the first in his family to attend college and sent himself to UNC’s School of Pharmacy.

Following graduation, he founded the Carl D. Taylor Pharmacy, Inc. in 1979, and for more than 20 years he owned and operated two independent pharmacies in Gatesville, NC, and Ahoskie, NC. For the past 20 years, Carl served as the Director of Pharmacy Services at Piedmont Health. “I had the blessing of knowing and working with Carl Taylor at Piedmont Health Services for almost 20 years. Carl had a positive impact on everyone he encountered, with his bright smile he made it look natural and effortless,” says Kelly Stout, RPh ’95, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Piedmont Health. “From the moment you met Carl, you knew the sources of his happiness and pride: his beautiful family, being a pharmacist, serving his community, and being a Tar Heel!”

He was passionate about helping young people obtain the educational opportunities once provided to him. He was an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, serving as a mentor for countless students and supporting the Student Health Action Coalition.

To honor his extraordinary life, Carl’s family has established the Carl Taylor Pharmacy Administration Scholarship. Piedmont Health and Apexus also supported the scholarship with lead donations. As a fitting tribute to Carl, the scholarship will provide full in-state tuition support with a focus on students who plan to pursue a career in pharmacy education, demonstrate a commitment to serving rural or underserved communities, or enhance the social, economic, and cultural diversity of the student body.

Stout sees the scholarship as carrying on Carl’s legacy. “Carl was always looking for ways to give back—he would be so very proud of this scholarship opportunity for pharmacy students looking to follow in his footsteps. I am excited to witness the impact this has on the lives of many UNC pharmacy students to come!”