SAVANNAH — Armstrong State University and South University are entering into a partnership designed to help local students pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree without having to leave the Savannah area.
Armstrong President Linda M. Bleicken and South University President Todd Cellini signed a memorandum of understanding to give qualified Armstrong pre-pharmacy students preferred consideration during South University’s rigorous admissions process for its Doctor of Pharmacy program.  
“Our goal with this partnership is to keep local talent local,” Cellini said. “The South University School of Pharmacy has a very competitive admissions process, and a limited number of students are admitted each year. By guaranteeing an admissions interview and preferred consideration, this agreement will give qualified Armstrong students a distinct advantage when applying to our program.”
Armstrong’s pre-pharmacy program provides directed advising on coursework and strategies to assist students in their bid to gain acceptance in pharmacy programs like the one at South University. Armstrong’s pre-pharmacy program prepares students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test and for admission to pharmacy school.
“We’re committed to ensuring a pathway to success for our pre-pharmacy students,” Bleicken said. “This agreement with South University will enable qualified Armstrong pre-pharmacy students to pursue an advanced degree in their field of choice right here in Savannah.”
South University is one of only four universities in Georgia that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In addition to classroom and lab requirements, South University pharmacy students also spend 1,500 hours interning in community, hospital and specialized pharmacy practice settings prior to graduation.