NCPA Foundation Recognizes Ashley Hannings Chinchilla, Jan Kavookjian as Outstanding Faculty Liaisons of the Year

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 27, 2024) - The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation has recognized Ashley Hannings Chinchilla of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and Jan Kavookjian of the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy as 2024 Outstanding Faculty Liaisons of the Year. The award is to recognize faculty liaisons who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to independent pharmacy, their NCPA Student Chapter, and the community. Chinchilla and Kavookjian were recognized as part of NCPA's Annual Convention, being held Oct. 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio.

Chinchilla is an associate director of introductory pharmacy practice experiences at the UGA College of Pharmacy. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UGA in 2011. She is based out of the Division of Experience Programs and works with students during their Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences, coordinating and facilitating their learning during patient care experiences including immunization clinics and ambulatory care clinics. Chinchilla serves as coordinator for the college's immunization efforts, which includes a collaboration with the University Health Center to provide influenza vaccinations across campus and to the local community. She also serves as co-coordinator for the college's Professional Certificate in Pharmacy Entrepreneurship. Chinchilla has been described as an amazing faculty liaison who works to help the student chapter succeed and actively helps students push to reach their goals.

Kavookjian is an associate professor of health outcomes research and policy at Auburn University. Her primary area of focus in research and teaching is behavior sciences in chronic disease management and prevention. Across her nearly 30 years in pharmacy education, she has taught and trained motivational interviewing to more than 3,000 pharmacy students and 1,000 practicing pharmacists. She has also taught pharmacy marketing and management courses and serves as a co-adviser for Auburn's NCPA student chapter. Kavookjian previously received the Outstanding Adherence Educator Award from NCPA at its 2015 Annual Convention. She has been described as an exceptional faculty member and adviser who allows students to step into their full potential and develop as leaders themselves, encourages national involvement from members, and pushes them towards excellence as a nationally recognized chapter.

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The NCPA Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1953 to honor the previous incarnation of NCPA, the National Association of Retail Druggists (NARD) Executive Secretary John W. Dargavel. Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible as charitable donations to the extent permitted under federal tax law. The NCPA Foundation improves community-based health care access by supporting efforts that promote the sustainability and growth of independent community pharmacists, the most accessible health care provider, through scholarships, grants, and ownership development. For more information, go to www.ncpafoundation.org.