Charles C. Thomas (Phi Lambda Sigma) Scholarship

STATEMENT

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Charlie Thomas Scholarship by Phi Lambda Sigma as part of the APhA Foundation Student Scholarship Program. The scholarship will honor distinguished pharmacist Charles C. Thomas, RPh, FAPhA. Thomas is a 1965 graduate of the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. While a student at Auburn University, he founded Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership society. Today, the society has chapters in 98 colleges and schools of pharmacy and is continuing Thomas’ vision of supporting leadership development and recognizing leadership talent in student pharmacists and practitioners. 

Charlie Thomas, RPh, was the Pharmacy Director for the Alabama Department of Public Health. He joined the Public Health Department in 1997 and was a team leader for emergency preparation and training activities conducted in the state. Thomas was instrumental in establishing the Controlled Substances Database in Alabama. In addition, he was an active participant in Regional and National Disaster Planning Activities. Prior to working for the Department of Public Health, Thomas practiced in community pharmacy for over 35 years, and was the owner of a community pharmacy in Huntsville, Alabama, which recieved an APhA award for having the first private patient counseling area in a pharmacy in Alabama.

Charlie Thomas is a Past President of the Alabama Pharmacy Association, Alabama State Board of Pharmacy and Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy Alumni Association. He served as an Affiliate Faculty Member for both Auburn University and Samford University schools of pharmacy and served for 20 years on each School’s Dean’s Advisory Committee. He is an active member of the American Pharmacists Association having served as Chair of the APhA-APPM Community/Ambulatory Section, Delegate to the House of Delegates, member of the APhA Strategic Directions Committee, APhA-PAC and on numerous Advisory Committees. Charlie Thomas is a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association and is the 2005 recipient of the APhA-ASP Linwood F. Tice Friend of the Academy of Student Pharmacists. He was selected for the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame and the Alabama Pharmacy Hall of Fame. 

The Charlie Thomas Scholarship is available to student pharmacists who meet the following criteria:

• Must be a member of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS). Please attach proof of membership to application. A PLS membership certificate or a signed letter from your PLS Chapter Advisor are acceptable.

• Please provide two letters of recommendation, one from a college official or faculty member who can speak to the student’s leadership or involvement with Phi Lambda Sigma and/or APhA-ASP (Involvement in either organization will suffice), and a non-academic based reference.

 

The Charles C. Thomas (Phi Lambda Sigma) Scholarship is presented annually to one (1) recipient with a scholarship of $1,000.

Learn more about other APhA Foundation scholarships for students.