SOP’s Beardsley Named Icon of Pharmacy by Alma Mater

Award presented by Oregon State University College of Pharmacy recognizes an alumnus’ sustained, meritorious contributions to the pharmacy profession.

By Malissa Carroll
July 21, 2014

Oregon State University College of Pharmacy has named Robert Beardsley, RPh, PhD, professor and vice chair for administration in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, as a recipient of its 2014 Icons of Pharmacy Award. The award, which was presented in May, is given annually to an alumnus of the college in recognition of his or her sustained, meritorious contributions to the pharmacy profession.

“As a department, we extend our congratulations to Dr. Beardsley on his recognition as one of Oregon State University College of Pharmacy’s 2014 Icons of Pharmacy,” says C. Daniel Mullins, PhD, professor and chair of PHSR. “Dr. Beardsley has an exceptional and sustained record of distinguished scholarly achievements. His teachings have impacted the lives of thousands at the School of Pharmacy, where he helps students in both the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research programs develop the important skills they will need to lead successful careers. He is truly deserving of this great honor.”

Originally from Roseburg, Ore., Beardsley received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the college in 1972. He credits the institution with helping him to establish leadership skills that have aided him in succeeding in a number of important roles throughout his career, including his service as former associate dean for student affairs at the School of Pharmacy, past president of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), past chair of the Council of Deans for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), and member of the Board of Directors of both ACPE and AACP.

“The 1960s and 1970s were challenging times to be a student leader,” recalls Beardsley. “There was a lot of unrest on college campuses across the country. A popular form of protest at the time was the ‘sit-in,’ where people sat themselves in different locations to promote political and social change. As an undergraduate, I helped organize ‘teach-ins,’ which provided an open forum for faculty and students to debate important issues in a constructive manner.”

In addition to establishing himself as a leader, Beardsley notes that his time at the college helped him develop a strong appreciation of teamwork – a lesson that he strives to pass on to his students at the School of Pharmacy. “Pharmacists must know how to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to ensure their patients receive the best possible care. It’s not about what is best for you as an individual. It’s about what is best for the patient,” he says.

As an alumnus, Beardsley says that he has kept track of the award’s recipients in previous years and feels humbled to be considered a member of this prestigious group.

“There are some amazing professionals who have received this award in past years, and knowing that has caused me to reflect back on my time as a student pharmacist and how those experiences have impacted my career as a pharmacy educator,” says Beardsley. “I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of good people, but I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my own team, including my parents, my siblings, my wife, my son, my daughter-in-law, and my granddaughter. They are truly the anchors in my life, and this award honors them just as much as it honors me.”

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