Ellis Family Scholarship
The Ellis Family Scholarship was created to honor Bill’s unwavering commitment to mentorship throughout his career in pharmacy.
Bill dedicated nearly 13 years as the CEO and Executive Director of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation, where he oversaw research initiatives and nationally recognized projects and programs.
He was later appointed Executive Director of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and served in that role for 15 years. Throughout his leadership, Bill championed the importance of board certification, significantly increasing its visibility and demand. Under his guidance, the number of actively certified pharmacists grew from around 10,000 in 2010 to more than 60,000 by 2024. He ushered in the addition of nine specialty certification programs, propelling BPS from six recognized programs to 15.
Bill announced his retirement in 2025. His commitment to mentoring future pharmacists has been widely acknowledged by his colleagues, inspiring the creation of this student scholarship in his honor.
The Ellis Family Scholarship is presented annually to one recipient in the amount of $1,000 to assist the development of leadership in student pharmacists for their future roles as advocates for patients, the profession, and public health.