Meet this year’s recipient of the Dr. Brian Odle Scholarship, Morgan Thomas (’23),
from Johnson City, Tennessee.
Dr. Brian Odle, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, came to ETSU Gatton College
of Pharmacy in 2007. His unique teaching style combined memorable storytelling with
practical knowledge. Dr. Odle was loved by his students, as well as faculty and staff.
While Thomas didn’t get the opportunity to meet Dr. Odle in person before his passing
on Feb. 15, 2021, she was able to interact with him over Zoom as a student in one
of the last classes he taught at the college, which was online during the pandemic.
When I heard that I was going to be receiving the Dr. Brian Odle Scholarship, I was
truly honored,” said Thomas. “This is not something that I took lightly.”
She stressed the importance of scholarships in reducing tuition.
“On the Day of Giving, I think it's a great opportunity to give to the Dr. Brian Odle
Scholarship,” said Thomas. “Scholarships play a huge role in pharmacy student's training.
It can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with it, but also gives us some
pride and something to be thankful for...”
Thomas elaborated on what the scholarship means to her: “giving back” to the profession
and community, being “thankful for all that we have,” making an impact and moving
the pharmacy profession forward, and just being “good, kind humans.”
“The Dr. Odle Scholarship means to me living out his life the best we can,” said Thomas.
“While nobody will ever really fill his footsteps, we can learn a lot from them.”