ETSU matriculates first legacy student pharmacist
ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy's Kyhran Ball
is following in his father's footsteps at the college as its first legacy student.
In 2007, J.P. Ball from Somerset, Kentucky, walked across the stage at the newly founded
East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy as a member of the
college’s inaugural Class of 2010 and received his white coat.
Flash forward 17 years to August 2024. Dr. J.P. Ball sat in the audience of the ETSU
Martin Center for the Arts as an alumnus and watched his son, Kyhran Ball, follow
in his footsteps as he, too, walked across the stage to receive his white coat, a
member of the Class of 2028. Kyhran is ETSU's first legacy student pharmacist.
“That moment was a bit emotional for me because I know firsthand how hard and competitive
it can be to fulfill your dreams of becoming a pharmacist,” said J.P. “I'm very thankful
the college had enough confidence in me when I applied for the inaugural class, and
I’m even more thankful for their confidence in my son, Kyhran. I know he will be
able to graduate from there with a Doctor of Pharmacy and will make everyone there
as proud of him as I am.”
When J.P. first began seeking out pharmacy schools, there were a lot fewer options
before a national expansion that started in the early 2000s. He took a risk on the
new program at ETSU.
“I came to ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy because I wanted to be involved in helping
our college become one of the best pharmacy schools in the nation,” said J.P., “and
I was confident we would definitely see that come to fruition with time.”
Since J.P.'s 2010 graduation, the college quickly rose to national prominence, earning
numerous awards and being ranked No. 2 for NAPLEX pass rate in 2023. For Kyhran, the college’s culture and nationally ranked outcomes were a big factor
in his decision to attend ETSU.
“I wanted to explore my options to find where I fit best, and the best fit for me
was ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy,” said Kyhran. “I chose Gatton because of the
reputation of excellence that it has. The culture of student-centered learning, the
beautiful scenery of the location and its 95% NAPLEX pass rate were all factors in
my choice.
“The deciding factor, however, was the proximity to other health care programs on
the Mountain Home VA campus and the interprofessional experiences that Gatton offers,”
Kyhran continued.
“Matriculating the college’s first legacy student is a major step forward in the history
of ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy,” said Dr. Debbie Byrd, dean of the college and
interim dean of ETSU College of Nursing. “It demonstrates that Gatton’s commitment
to excellence has continued over generations and has become not only an integral part
of the patient population in the region but also the hearts and minds of our alumni.”
In a recent survey, 97% of the Class of 2024 said they were satisfied with their experience
and would choose the college again if given the chance.
Improving health care in rural and underserved communities is the college’s mission,
and Kyhran plans to make that part of his pharmacy career after graduation and return
home to Kentucky to serve in his family’s community pharmacy, Burgess Drugs.
Burgess Drugs was founded in 1940 by the Burgess family, and ownership passed to one
of their sons, Dr. Jerry Burgess, physician, and James Ball, J.P.’s, father and a
local businessman.
Later, J.P. joined the partnership, and in the past several years, he has grown their independent
pharmacy business in eastern Kentucky from a single store to three pharmacies in Whitley
City and Sterns with plans to open a fourth near Somerset.
“The stores have gone through a lot of changes since the original location's opening
in 1940, but the one thing that hasn't changed is the dedication to the community
and the love of serving the region,” said Kyhran.
As ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy’s first legacy student, Kyhran and his father reflected
on the importance of that title.
“It’s a testimony to the confidence that we both have in ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy
being the best choice he could have made pursuing his doctorate within the profession
of pharmacy,” said J.P.
Kyhran echoed a similar feeling.
“It shows that the college doesn't just make pharmacists but fosters a love for the
profession that is passed down through generations,” he said.
October is American Pharmacists Month, and the college is celebrating over 700,000
pharmacy professionals and student pharmacists nationwide who are dedicated to improving
public health by providing vital services to keep their communities safe. About 90%
of all Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, which is, and in some cases,
the only accessible form of health care available in the community.
ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy is offering up to $15,000 in scholarships for those
who apply by Nov. 1 and meet other criteria. The college also offers an Early Admissions
Pathway (EAP) for high school seniors choosing to attend ETSU or current ETSU freshmen,
who can apply to be accepted directly into ETSU’s Pharm.D. program. Students can earn
both a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Pharmacy in six years.
Learn more at etsu.edu/pharmacy, or email pharmacy@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-6300.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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