Updating Our Beloved Beard Hall
Alumni and friends help create facilities that reflect our mission to prepare leaders and innovators
Story by Kelly Collins | Published January 31, 2023
Since opening in 1960, Beard Hall has been home to countless classes, research endeavors, and transformative learning experiences. During the Campaign for Carolina, hundreds of alumni and friends gave generously to support the continued upgrades of Beard Hall to create a 21st century learning environment. The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy was thrilled to recognize the investment of our lead supporters with the dedication of named spaces.
Pharmacy Learning Center, 200 Beard Hall
Technology has changed the way we teach and learn, and the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has led the way with a transformed PharmD curriculum. New instructional methods, classroom techniques, and virtual training platforms have required updates to our learning spaces such as the Beard 200 classroom featured here. Funding generously given by our alumni and friends during the Campaign for Carolina helped in part support upgrades to learning spaces as well as key infrastructure updates to HVAC, instructional technology, and electrical systems. This space has been named by Wayne Pittman, BSPhar ’72, MS ’78, an alum and long-time faculty member, and his wife Jan Pittman, BA ’72, a long-time staff member.
Chocky White Family Faculty Office
Chocky White, BSPhar ’68, and his wife, Nettie, named the Chair’s office for the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education. Chair Stefanie Ferrari, PharmD, has the honor of serving in this space. Chocky owns and operates Medical Arts Pharmacy in Henderson, NC. He opened the pharmacy in 1971 in a 600-square-foot space and served as the only pharmacist and only employee for a number of years. Today, Medical Arts Pharmacy operates in a 6,500 square-foot space and has over 30 team members. Pharmacy is a family affair for the Whites, with all of Chocky and Nettie’s children working in the business. Fittingly, the entire family was present to dedicate the office.
Staying Ahead of the Technology Curve
All classrooms in Beard Hall, Kerr Hall, and on our Asheville campus are equipped with virtual training platforms to help graduates better serve patients, excel in their research, and lead in the arenas where health-care decisions are made. When the pandemic hit, the School seamlessly transitioned to fully virtual learning. Our classrooms include state-of-the-art technology that allows students and faculty in Chapel Hill and Asheville to easily interact and engage.
Creating Space for a Connected Community
On the second floor of Beard Hall, a new student commons space was created thanks to a gift from Terrence Burroughs, BSPhar ’82, and his wife, Terri. Terrence is CEO and Chairman of The Burroughs Health Care Management Group, a pharmaceutical services firm. Throughout his education and career, Terrence has been an active community member and volunteer, dedicated to service and improving the lives of others including founding the National Pharmaceutical Association Foundation. The Burroughs were inspired by the School’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan to create a welcoming and inclusive area for our entire community.
Belonging
The Burroughs Student Lounge features an art wall based on a “Belonging” theme. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni all contributed pieces to the space, and a curator from UNC’s Arts Everywhere initiative assisted with the installation. The art also provides a connection to a new partnership between the School and the Ackland Art Museum. Through this curricular innovation, first-year pharmacy students are exposed to art as a vehicle to illuminate biases in health care practices and facilitate a nuanced conversation about race.
Giving Back to Where it All Started
After graduating from pharmacy school, Henry Smith, BSPhar ’72, joined the faculty as a professor of drug manufacturing. From his lab on the third floor of Beard, he founded Carolina Medical Products Company (now CMP Pharma). The company combines formulation experience with manufacturing expertise to provide proprietary topicals and oral liquids for niche markets within the pharmaceutical and life science industries. Henry and his wife, Tracey, named two offices in the lab space where it all started. The lab space was occupied by Dr. KH Lee for more than five decades and is awaiting future renovations.
Creating an Outdoor Wellness Space
In addition to interior renovations, Amy Greeson, BSPhar ’90, led the Pharmacy Alumni Association in an effort to reinvigorate the McNeill Family Courtyard. From lending sweat equity weeding garden beds, to securing a vendor and funding for outdoor features, Amy’s work is creating an oasis at the School. One highlight is a new water feature funded by Amy and her father, Joe Greeson, BSPhar ’62.
Our Home
Beard Hall has changed dramatically in it's 60+ year history. These changes have come from the School's drive to continuously improve and to lead the State in pharmacy and pharmaceutical research, education, and practice. Our facilities have grown and adapted to reflect this thanks to the inexhaustible efforts of our dedicated alumni and donors. Thank you for your support of our students, of our mission, and of Beard Hall - our beloved home.