Alum Recognized for Lifetime of Service
Terrence Burroughs, Class of ’82, receives the William Richardson Davie Award
Story by Kelly Collins | photo credit Steve Exum | Published November 14, 2023
Terrence Van Loren Burroughs, BS in Pharmacy ’82, believes strongly in paying it forward. For more than four decades, he has given back his time, expertise, and financial support to the School and University that were so influential in shaping his own journey.
On November 9th, Terrence was recognized for this extraordinary track record of service and impact as a recipient of the William Richardson Davie Award. Established in 1984, the award is the highest honor given by the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees.
“He’s always been focused on doing things to help those that may be marginalized or that might not have the same opportunities that he’s had,” says Terrence’s friend and UNC classmate, Bernard Bell, who serves as the Executive Director of the UNC Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship. “He’s been consistent in his desire to give back with no knowledge or expectation of being awarded. That’s just who he is, and I think it’s in his DNA.”
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. He is Chair and Founder of the National Pharmaceutical Association Foundation, which is dedicated to representation of underrepresented pharmacists, advancement of equity, and enhancement of pharmaceutical care nationally.
In 1999, Terrence and his wife Terri established a fund at the UNC Pharmacy Foundation—the first fund endowed by an African American—to provide travel awards for students involved with the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). “I had such a great experience attending the National Pharmaceutical Association,” Terrence shares. “My intent was to be sure students never had a problem attending the annual meeting.”
Terrence and Terri also gave back to create a special student lounge space on the second floor of Beard Hall. Their naming gift was rooted in a commitment to supporting the pharmacy school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan. “Diversity, equity and inclusion results in innovation, enhanced business outcomes, greater workplace effectiveness, richer dialogue amongst pharmacy colleagues, and ultimately greater patient care,” explains Terrence. “Our hope is that the student lounge will be a gathering space for exchanging diverse perspectives and creating connections.”
Terrence has held a number of distinguished volunteer roles at UNC, including serving on the School’s Board of Visitors, the General Alumni Association’s Light on the Hill Board of Directors, and the Chancellor’s Philanthropic Council. In 2007 he was recognized with the Harvey E. Beech Distinguished Alumnus Award. A member of the junior varsity basketball team as an undergraduate, Terrence continues to be an avid supporter of Tar Heel athletics.
The Burroughs family is also known for actively serving within their community. As one example, each year at Christmas, the Burroughs family quietly adopts a local family and provides money to let them catch up on bills, buy gifts and have a Christmas dinner.
“I am thrilled that Terrence has been recognized in this way,” says Dean Angela Kashuba. “He truly embodies excellence in everything he does, and has a deep commitment to supporting our youth. I am continually inspired by Terrence’s drive and passion for helping others. He is an inspiration to our School, our University and our profession.”