For Alumni, Students & Friends of the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Winter 2025
Reaching deeper into the community CAMPBELL COMMENTS
Message from the Dean
Dear CPHS Alumni, Donors, and Friends,
Spring is here, and as we reflect on the past few months, I am thrilled to share the incredible ways our students, faculty, and staff continue to embody the Campbell mission of service, innovation, and excellence in health sciences education.
One of the most inspiring events this academic year was Camels Care CommUNITY Days, where 350 of our faculty, staff, and students united in service across six surrounding counties. From hosting a Special Olympics’ MedFest and serving breakfast to the homeless in Fayetteville, to providing health resources at a Coharie Powwow Health Fair and supporting families at The Veterans Treatment Court in Lillington, this initiative reinforced our deep commitment to community outreach and service.
Our faculty are also making significant strides in research and advocacy. Dr. David Tillman and the Department of Public Health brought together local government officials from across the country to discuss strategic responses to the overdose crisis through the Reaching Rural Fellows program. This collaboration with the CDC, DOJ, and the Institute for Intergovernmental Research is a testament to our leadership in addressing critical public health challenges. Additionally, a team of Campbell faculty secured a $60,000 Faith and Health Campus Grant from Interfaith America to integrate interfaith competency training into community health initiatives, further bridging faith and health to serve those in need.
We also had the honor of celebrating our newest graduates in December. Twenty-seven Doctor of Health Sciences students and 41 Doctor of Physical Therapy students received their doctoral hoods, marking the culmination of years of academic dedication and perseverance. Their journeys have been shaped by rigorous training and a passion for making a difference in healthcare.
Our students continue to learn together interprofessionally and were recently inspired by a powerful voice in the healthcare field. On February 4, Mr. Christopher Jerry shared his heartfelt story about the loss of his daughter, Emily, due to a medical error. His presentation emphasized the vital role healthcare professionals play in patient safety and the importance of preventing medication errors through education and best practices.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Your support and commitment to CPHS encourages us to offer these meaningful experiences and create opportunities for our students to excel. I look forward to seeing the continued impact we will make together in the months ahead.
With gratitude,
FOOD BANK SERVICES
Assisting food banks from Raleigh to Southern Pines.
Camels Care CommUNITY Days filled with powerful moments as the university reaches deeper into the community
DR. DAVID TILLMAN, sitting at a small table in his Campbell University office, smiles as he starts talking. The conversation has moved on to one of his favorite topics — helping people.
Tillman, chair of the Department of Public Health is talking about — thinking about — Camels Care CommUNITY Days. The event is composed of two days of volunteer service across the community, which happened September 13 and 14. Over the course of 36 hours, faculty, staff and students representing clinical research, nursing, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, physical therapy, physician assistant practice, and public health along with students from the doctor of health sciences program reached deep into the community.
Giving back.
An overdose awareness vigil at a Lillington church, which included several family members who lost loved ones to the opioid crisis.
“Camels Care CommUNITY Days is about fostering a sense of unity and belonging, said Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. “It’s about coming together as one CPHS family to make a difference.”
Coming together. Supporting the community. Meeting, seeing, experiencing.
Powerful moments.
Twelve projects in 15 locations spanning six counties. Events such as the Special Olympics’ MedFest, breakfast for the homeless in Fayetteville, a Coharie Powwow Health Fair in Clinton and a family day at The Veterans Treatment Court in Lillington.
Service projects at food banks from Raleigh to Southern Pines, especially resonant considering the devastation in Western North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene.
“As you may have noticed, the name Camels Care CommUNITY Days is a fun play on words, inspired by our beloved university camel mascot,” Mercer says. “Just as camels are known for their endurance and ability to support each other in challenging environments, we are coming together to support our community. ”
The Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is one example of that. The court, its website says, is an 18-to24-month treatment and rehabilitation diversion program made specifically for veterans facing trouble with the law, while also facing mental health and substance abuse disorders.
12 projects
15 locations
6 counties served
“The goal of the VTC,” the site says, “is to help justice-involved veterans obtain the tools and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society, as well as tools to take with them after graduating to continue to lead productive, stable, healthy lives.”
The Harnett County court was the first VTC in North Carolina and began helping veterans in November 2013. For several years, Public Health students have used the program as a practicum site, contributing to recovery efforts and providing support services for veteran participants.
The VTC hosted a Family & Community Day for the court in Lillington, which also was part
of Camels Care CommUNITY Days. Students created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for veterans and their families, encouraging connection and quality time together. They welcomed guests, managed outdoor games like a bounce house, operated the snack bar, and served as friendly faces throughout the event.
“Our students gain invaluable experience working with the Veterans Treatment Court,” said DR. PETER AHIAWODZI, associate professor of Public Health, who oversees the students’ practicum work. “Events like this not only allow them to apply their skills but also to network and build relationships with community partners.”
Helping people.
Tillman is talking about just that.
He remembers an instance in which a nurse was talking to a group of people gathered at a church, presenting work by a local health department about drug use and overdose awareness. Recognizing the symptoms, providing treatment, remembering those lost to drugs.
After her presentation she asked whether anyone had a question. Hands went up, from about half the people in the room.
“I realized, ‘Oh my goodness, we really have hit on something here,’” Tillman said. “This is a conversation that people want to have.”
While thinking about and developing the overdose presentation, organizers paused to ask whether it should even happen. Would people respond? Should a church play host? “It was immediately evident that not only should we
THE SALVATION ARMY OF WAKE COUNTY Supporting the mission of the Salvation Army
"This event is about fostering a sense of unity and belonging. It's about coming together as one CPHS family to make a difference."
— Dr. Jeff Mercer, Dean
respond, but this is a critical need,” Tillman said. “It was so beautiful; that event ended up running long because there were so many questions, so much interest. That was a beautiful moment for me, and seeing that, OK, we helped make a community conversation happen that's relevant to a crisis. That might not have happened if it hadn't been for Campbell University.”
In developing Camels Care CommUNITY Days, Campbell’s Public Health Program provided a natural starting point. It’s one of the most community integrated public health programs in the region, with a curriculum centered around reaching out into the community to help, to offer relevant academic research and to service, as an extension of a myriad of local agencies. Mercer, with the help of faculty, staff and students, began working to take Campbell’s reach even deeper into the community. To extend and enhance the mission to serve the underserved. It was a large undertaking, yet organizers gathered some 350 volunteers. A massive first effort, as Tillman says, but an equally successful one.
Filled with those powerful moments.
Tillman remembers DR. PAMELA EDWARDS, director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing, leading a child through the stations and activities during MedFest, created by the Special Olympics as a way to screen athletes through a variety of medical tests, including blood pressure checks and cardiological tests.
Edwards reassured the child, who was maybe a bit nervous and overwhelmed. She made him feel comfortable. Safe.
“She was just playing the role of buddy, and it was so perfect. Just to see one of our leaders doing the most classic version of servant leadership,” Tillman said.
That’s one example of many.
Vicki Tilley is the North American Clinical Services coordinator for Special Olympics FUNfitness, which, among many things, administers screening programs and training healthcare providers and volunteers.
Students in Campbell’s Physical Therapy program, for instance, helped the athletes with exercises promoting flexibility, strength and balance, and thus helping to incorporate that training and guidance into the Special Olympics sphere.
“Having the partnership with Campbell is great, for a few different reasons,” Tilley said.
CPHS programs not only allow Special Olympics to provide free health services, but also allows it to bring messaging regarding exercise, nutrition, fitness programming and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“Not just for the athletes,” Tilley said, “but for everybody.” The partnership helps to focus on emphasizing beneficial habits such as good oral hygiene, hand washing, staying safe in the sun and hydration, as well as providing vision and hearing screens.
“We have a mental health or emotional health screen as well to determine if the athletes are experiencing stress and provide ways that they can learn some stress-management techniques. A high percentage of Special Olympics athletes are obese and morbidly obese, and some are suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure. Tilley says, “Our athletes have barriers to accessing care. One is insurance, one could be transportation, one is their access to healthy foods and lifestyles, and one is how they're treated once they go into a doctor's office. So, we're trying to increase awareness to see if we can start just breaking down some of those barriers.” Some 100 elementary, middle and high school students from the area did fitness screens during MedFest, and some 50 students got physical examinations.
“The PA, public health, and nursing students have done this a number of times now, so they're very committed,” Tilley said. “Their faculty is very committed. I know that the PT students had a really positive experience for the first time they have joined us, and their teachers already asked me when we're doing it again. It was a fun day.”
— JOHN TRUMP
COHARIE POWWOW HEALTH FAIR Offering health services and education.
OUR PROGRAMS
DR. DAVID TILLMAN, chair and associate professor of Public Health, and the Department of Public Health hosted Reaching Rural Fellows from across the country (as far away as Hawaii!) on August 14-15 to learn about the communitylevel strategic responses to the overdose crisis. This project is a collaboration between the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Department of Justice (DOJ).
All CPHS students attended a powerful presentation on February 4, by Mr. Christopher Jerry, founder of the Emily Jerry Foundation. After the tragic loss of his daughter Emily due to a medical error, Mr. Jerry has dedicated his life to advocating for patient safety and finding technologies and best practices to prevent similar tragedies. His presentation emphasized the critical role healthcare professionals play in medication safety and reinforced the importance of vigilance, education, and system improvements. Students had the opportunity to learn from his experience and gain valuable insight into preventing medication errors in their future careers.
6 WINTER 2025
Campbell Faculty Secure $60K Grant to Bridge Faith and Health in Community Initiatives
Atrio of Campbell University faculty members has been awarded a $60,000 Faith and Health Campus Grant from Interfaith America to integrate interfaith competency training while building sustainable community partnerships to address health issues.
DR. AMY HINKELMAN, director of the Academic Center for Excellence and associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology; DR. DAVID TILLMAN, associate professor and chair of Public Health; and DR. ADAM ENGLISH, chair of the Department of Christian Studies and Biomedical Humanities, are leading the initiative. Their work will expand interdisciplinary curriculum, engage faith and tribal community leaders, and provide hands-on learning experiences for students.
“This grant builds on the partnerships we’ve developed to address behavioral
health challenges in our communities,” Tillman said. “It allows us to create sustainable curricular innovations that prepare future leaders in healthcare with a deeper understanding of spiritual and moral priorities.”
The initiative includes new courses, community-based learning, and expanded collaborations with the Coharie Tribe, the Alnoor Islamic Center, and the N.C. Council of Churches. Additionally, the grant will support the Recovering Hope Conference, which empowers faith leaders in overdose prevention and recovery advocacy.
“We look forward to strengthening partnerships with diverse faith and community leaders to equip students with the tools to serve in meaningful ways,” Hinkelman said. “This work is about building bridges and making an impact where it’s needed most.”
CPHS was proud to celebrate our 27 newest Doctor of Health Sciences graduates! On Saturday, December 14 they were hooded in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, and passion for advancing healthcare. As the program’s second graduating class, this milestone marked the culmination of their hard work and commitment to making a difference in their field.
2024 DPT Graduates Celebrate Accomplishments
The 2024 graduates of Campbell University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program were celebrated at a convocation ceremony on Dec. 13, where they received their teal hoods, marking the completion of their three-year journey. Keynote speaker DR. PHILLIP H. WARREN, a 49-year veteran physical therapist and adjunct faculty member since the program's inception, urged the graduates to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. He emphasized the importance of service in the profession, advising the graduates to serve their patients, communities, themselves, and the profession. His words resonated deeply with the class as they reflected on their personal and professional growth throughout the program.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements, with awards presented to several graduates, including the Leadership Award to JACKALYN GERATY and KAITLIN DILLARD, the Dr. Angela Griffin Community Service Memorial Award to HAYLE MCCLELLAN, and the Academic Excellence Award to RODNEY "ALAN" BENNETT and WILLIAM MORRISON. DR. WESLEY D. RICH (‘05 MED, ‘01 BS), associate dean for Health Sciences, reminded graduates to cherish the support of their mentors as they face the challenges of their careers. SAMUEL EISDORFER, a 2024 graduate, shared his journey of self-discovery, noting the transformation he had experienced during the program and his newfound confidence. The convocation served as both a celebration of their achievements and a moment to reflect on the path ahead in their professional lives.
FACULTY/STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Faculty/Staff Achievements
DR. SHARON ECKBIRMINGHAM, associate professor of Health Sciences, was appointed to the board of directors for Baby Café USA.
CHARISSA ENGLISH, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Coordinator, was honored with the CPHS Orange Pen Award, a distinguished honor recognizing faculty and staff who embody the Campbell spirit, for her unwavering dedication, creativity, and support across CPHS, from marketing efforts to student engagement and community building.
DR. LAURA GERSTNER (‘24 DHSC), director of Physician Assistant Practice, has been elected as a director at large to the PAEA Board of Directors.
DRS. ALESSANDRA GARCIA TREPTE, T. R. GOINS, and BRIDGET EUBANKS from the Campbell University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, DR. VALERIE JOSEPH from the Psychology Department in the School of Education & Human Sciences, and DR. ADAM ENGLISH from the Christian Studies Department in the College of Arts & Sciences came together to publish "Integrating spirituality into physical therapy: exploring it's emerging role as a recognized determinant of health"
DR. KARLYN GREEN, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, is the lead author on the recently published Feasibility of a Multidomain Resiliency Assessment in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Requiring Surgery: A Pilot Study in the Physical Therapy Journal, inspired by her experience treating heart transplant and ventricular assist device patients at Duke University Hospital.
DR. ALLISON PRESNELL, clinical assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice, was invited to serve on the Lilly Once Weekly Insulin North American Multidisciplinary Advisory Board.
DR. DAVID TILLMAN, chair of the Department of Public Health, received the CPHS Orange Pen Award for his visionary leadership, dedication to community service, and impactful contributions to Campbell, including organizing major events like Camels Care CommUNITY Days and expanding the university's reach on state and national levels.
DR. ALESSANDRA GARCIA TREPTE, an international Cochrane Scholar and assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was recently recognized by the Cochrane Institute for having 50 peer-reviewed publications, a remarkable milestone in her career that reflects her dedication to research, teaching, and advancing clinical practice.
Arch Physioter 2024; 14: 189-195 ISSN 2057-0082 | DOI: 10.33393/aop.2024.3370 MASTERCLASS
Integrating spirituality into physical therapy: exploring its emerging role as a recognized
determinant of health
SCAN QR CODE TO THE ARTICLE
1Department of Doctor of Physical Therapy, Campbell University, Lillington - USA
2Department of Psychology, Campbell University, Lillington - USA
3Department of Christian Studies, Campbell University, Lillington - USA
ABSTRACT
This masterclass explores the increasing recognition of spirituality as a vital aspect of patient care, alongside other Social Determinants of Health (SDH) such as economic stability and education. The distinction between spirituality and religion is clarified, with spirituality described as a broader, more personal experience that can exist both within and outside of religious contexts. Research demonstrates that spirituality influences health in mostly positive ways, particularly in areas like mental health, resilience, and coping, making it a critical component of holistic, patient-centered care. In physical therapy, incorporating a patient’s spirituality into their plan of care can enhance cultural competence and foster a more holistic care approach. However, many Physical Therapists (PTs) express uncertainty in addressing spiritual concerns, often due to limited training or unclear role expectations. The authors suggest that integrating tools like the Inclusive Spiritual Connection Scale (ISCS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ), the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM), or the Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS), along with enhanced education, could help therapists incorporate spirituality into practice more seamlessly. Integration of spirituality enables PTs to deliver more complete, personalized care that addresses the whole person. Ultimately, the authors determinant of health and an important component of healthcare to ensure
Dr. Trepte
Dr. Goins
Dr. Eubanks Dr. Joseph Dr. English
Alessandra N Garcia 1, TR Goins1, Bridget Eubanks 1, Valerie E Joseph 2, Adam English 3
Faculty/Staff Achievements (continued)
DR. EMILY BAILY, assistant professor of Public Health, and CINDY FAN (’24 MSPH) have published research in the Journal of Environmental Health titled “ESBL E. coli Compartment Bag Test Method in Comparison to the WHO Tricycle Protocol in North Carolina Surface Waters” (2024, 87(4), 8-12). Their study compares the effectiveness of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Tricycle Protocol with the Compartment Bag Test (CBT) method for detecting ESBL E. coli in surface waters across North Carolina. Their findings demonstrate that the CBT method offers a practical and efficient alternative for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental water sources. By providing a simpler and more accessible approach, this research presents a valuable tool for identifying AMR risks, particularly in lowresource settings where traditional laboratory facilities may be limited.
Class Notes
KATHERINE ADAMS (’20 PHARMD/MBA/MSPH) promoted to medical regional strategic account director at Sanofi.
TIM ELLMERS (’10 PHARMD) was promoted to the Clinical Pharmacy Manager at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.
TODD JACKSON (’95 PHARMD), started a new job in May 2024 as the corporate vice president of Pharmacy Services at Cape Fear Valley Health.
MARINA MADDALONI (’20 BSCR, ’22 MSCR) and QUINTON EDWARDS (’19 BS, ’21 MSPH, ’24 MPAP) were married on August 9, 2024 in San Miniato, Italy. Marina also earned her Doctor of Healthcare Science in 2024 from Pacific University. Quinton is currently employed as a PA with CommWell Health in Four Oaks, NC.
Student Achievements
GABBY GILLETT (’26 PHARMD CANDIDATE) won the local APhA Patient Counseling Competition and advanced to the national preliminary round.
EMILY MANTOVANI (’16 PHARMD/MSCR) was promoted to director of Clinical Science-Early Development Oncology at Daiichi Sankyo.
LISA MILLER (’23 DHSC) recently started a new job as the executive director of Baby Café USA.
MCKINLEY POLLACK (’21 DPT) was elected American Physical Therapy Association NC Chapter Regional Director, Piedmont Region.
LAURYN LEWIS ('25 PHARMD CANDIDATE), HANNAH MUNRO ('25 PHARMD/MSCR CANDIDATE), and CARLY AVILA ('25 PHARMD CANDIDATE) won the 2024 CPHS SCCPACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge for the second consecutive year, advancing to the national competition where they represented Campbell University. The team advanced through the first three online rounds, the farthest Campbell has progressed in the challenge since 2011. While they did not reach the quarterfinals, placing in the top 16 out of 110 pharmacy programs is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their success!
Dr. Bailey Cindy Fan
A Note from the CPHS Alumni Board
Last year was incredible for the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences! During Homecoming on Saturday, October 26, we were thrilled to welcome alumni and their families back to the Creek. The CPHS Alumni Board also gathered to connect and plan for this year. We are excited to continue working on behalf of our alumni community and fostering the Campbell spirit.
On November 13, Campbell Giving Day was a tremendous success! With the support of more than 100 donors, we strengthened our mission to serve students and advance the College. Your generosity is truly inspiring and makes a lasting impact.
As we move through 2025, we reflect with gratitude on the generosity of our donors and the achievements of our students.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the 22nd Annual CPHS Golf Tournament on Friday, April 4—it’s always a wonderful day of connection and support. We’re also eager to build on the success of the College’s annual Camels Care Community Days, held this past fall, by engaging alumni in this year’s service efforts—stay tuned for more details!
Thank you for carrying the Campbell spirit with you wherever you go. Here’s to another year of success, connection, and shared pride in CPHS!
SARAH GRIFFIN (’17 PHARMD, ’17 MBA) President, CPHS Alumni Board
ELIANA WOOD (’15 PHARMD, ’15 MSCR) President-Elect, CPHS Alumni Board
CPHS Welcomes Taylor Murphy as Director of Advancement
CPHS welcomed TAYLOR MURPHY in November as its new director of Advancement. With a strong background in alumni relations, event coordination, and strategic communications, Murphy is poised to enhance engagement efforts and strengthen connections between CPHS and its community of alumni and supporters.
Murphy brings a wealth of experience from Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C., where she most recently served as director of Alumni Relations in the Office of Institutional Advancement. In this role, she played a pivotal part in orchestrating signature events such as Homecoming Weekend and Family Weekend, while also leading a variety of on- and off-campus alumni initiatives. Her expertise in leveraging social media, digital outreach, and personalized engagement has been instrumental in fostering meaningful relationships with alumni.
Beyond her advancement work, Murphy previously served as assistant director of Admissions and admissions counselor at Methodist University, contributing to recruitment strategies and improving applicant conversion processes. Her broad experience across institutional advancement and admissions has shaped her into a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of relationship-building in higher education.
Murphy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Methodist University, along with minors in Legal Studies and Spanish.
WILL BRATTON (’11), assistant dean for Administration, expresses confidence in Murphy’s ability to make a lasting impact. "Taylor’s dedication to fostering connections, combined with her extensive experience in alumni relations and event planning, will be invaluable to CPHS. Her passion for building meaningful relationships will strengthen our community and advance our mission."
Murphy shares her enthusiasm for joining CPHS and the opportunities ahead. "I’m honored to join CPHS and be part of a community that is shaping the future of healthcare. In my role, I look forward to strengthening relationships with alumni and donors, celebrating their achievements, and expanding opportunities for engagement and support. It’s exciting to help advance the College’s mission and share the incredible impact of CPHS with those who make it possible."
Murphy is already making an impact at CPHS, actively connecting with alumni, faculty, students, and supporters as she helps propel the College’s mission forward.
Neal O’Neal: A Legacy of Leadership and Service
At the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on October 25, the Campbell University Alumni Association honored three outstanding graduates for their professional excellence, dedication to their communities, and unwavering commitment to their alma mater. Among them was NEAL O’NEAL (’96 PHARMD), a third-generation pharmacist whose lifelong service has transformed healthcare access in rural eastern North Carolina.
For decades, O’Neal has been a driving force in healthcare throughout Beaufort and Hyde counties, where he has dedicated his career to ensuring patients receive quality care close to home. His leadership extends beyond the pharmacy counter—he has served on the board of his local hospital in Belhaven and on the board of directors for Mutual Drug, advocating for independent pharmacists and rural healthcare initiatives.
When the COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on small communities, O’Neal played a pivotal role in coordinating early vaccine access, ensuring that residents in underserved areas received timely protection. His commitment to public health and patient care has earned him multiple accolades, reflecting his impact on both his profession and his community.
A Campbell graduate through and through, O’Neal credits the university for shaping his values and approach to service.
"The things that I learned at Campbell—the community involvement and moral compass—have kept me focused on what I need to do," he reflects. "Campbell helped me understand how to treat people and meet their needs."
O’Neal’s connection to Campbell extends far beyond his time as a student. He remains actively involved, serving on multiple university boards, including the CPHS Alumni Board, the Dean’s Advisory Council, the Pharmacy Advisory Council, and the Presidential Board of Advisors. Alongside his wife, Helene, a family nurse practitioner, he continues to support the next generation of healthcare professionals through philanthropy. The couple established an endowed scholarship for pharmacy students from eastern North Carolina, ensuring that future pharmacists have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.
O’Neal’s deep ties to Campbell also carry on through his family. His two sons are both part of the Campbell community— Walton graduated with a business degree in 2022, and Miller is currently pursuing his Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Through his dedication to patient care, leadership in the pharmacy profession, and steadfast support of Campbell University, Neal O’Neal exemplifies the spirit of a Distinguished Alumnus—one whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
cphs.campbell.edu/cphs-alumni
