March 23, 2017
South College School of Pharmacy student Joshua Gass began his term as president of the statewide Tennessee Society of Student Pharmacists (TSSP) at the organization’s Winter Meeting in Nashville on Feb. 25.
The TSSP is the student affiliation of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA), the largest statewide organization of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians to advocate for the health of pharmacy patients and the future of the profession. The TSSP has more than 1,700 student pharmacist members, with representation from each of the six pharmacy schools in Tennessee.
Gass is a second professional year student pharmacist at the South College School of Pharmacy and is the first TSSP president from the school. South College also has representation on the statewide TSSP board with student pharmacists Rachel Cole and Emily Thompson serving as members-at-large.
“I am excited about the ability to work with the TSSP and TPA to make a difference in the profession that I have chosen,” Gass said. “During my time as president, I hope to develop leadership and education opportunities for student pharmacists in Tennessee. I am also passionate about ensuring the profession of pharmacy is equipped with every resource and opportunity necessary to continue to take care of patients in the best manner possible across the state of Tennessee.”
As president, Gass will work with the TSSP board to help organize the Winter Meetings of the organization, as well as assist with the organization of the annual Pharmacy Day on the Hill when pharmacists and student pharmacists meet with legislators to advocate for the profession and the patients it serves.
The 2017 Day on the Hill was held Feb. 28 and in addition to lobbying, included a Legislative Health Fair for senators, representatives and their staffs to check blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular health. More than 30 student pharmacists from South College attended this year’s event.
“We congratulate Josh on this honor of being the first TSSP President from South College. Election to this office by student pharmacists across Tennessee shows recognition of his leadership skill,” South College School of Pharmacy Dean Walter Fitzgerald said. “Our South College student pharmacists are passionate about advancing the profession and patient care, and I am confident that Josh will represent South College and the pharmacy profession effectively on a statewide level as TSSP president.”
Gass will serve as president until the TSSP Winter Meeting in February 2018.
About South College
South College is a private institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer programs at the doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, and associate levels. To learn more about South College, visit http://www.southcollegetn.edu.
