Making the adjustment to college can be tough, especially as a pharmacy student. Between classes, rotations, social life and more, it can be a lot to handle.
Fortunately for students at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, they don’t have to make that adjustment alone. Ashley Crumby, Academic Affairs Coordinator, is here to help students with study skills, time-management and more.
Get to know Dr. Crumby and how she is helping students in this Q&A:
Ashley Crumby
Where are you from?
I was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana but grew up in a small town just south of Nashville, TN called Chapel Hill.
When and why did you come to work with the School of Pharmacy?
I have been involved with the School of Pharmacy for almost 20 years at this point. I went to pharmacy school here and graduated in 2009. After working as a pediatric pharmacist for about 5 years, I came back in 2013 to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacy Administration at Ole Miss. I received this degree in 2019 and was given the opportunity to stay on with the School of Pharmacy as a faculty member. I have always loved the pharmacy family at the School of Pharmacy and feel fortunate to be able to work with and support students at the institution that has invested so much in me.
What are your responsibilities with the School of Pharmacy?
My main responsibility with the School of Pharmacy is as the Academic Affairs Coordinator. Through this position I oversee the Study Group program that provides tutoring support for several classes in both the pre-pharmacy and the professional curricula. I also coordinate and oversee the Academic Achievement Program that supports students identified as being at-risk academically. This program allows me to mentor students in areas such as study skills, time management, and academic improvement. In addition to my Academic Affairs responsibilities, I am also an Instructional Assistant Professor and teach an elective in the spring semester focusing on social and administrative aspects of pediatric pharmacy.
What has been the most satisfying aspect of your work?
I would say the most satisfying aspect of my work is getting to work one-on-one with students and help mentor them through pharmacy school. It is so rewarding to play even a small role in their path through difficult classes, developing their interests, and ultimately finding and pursuing a path in pharmacy that they love. Although my initial relationship with students is centered around academic improvement and really pushing them to perform their best in their classes, ultimately I enjoy being able to provide advice and guidance in other areas of pharmacy school life too. Everyone needs multiple mentors in pharmacy school, and I am grateful to serve that role for any student who needs it.
What advice would you give to anyone that works with students?
I think my best piece of advice when it comes to working with students is to always be willing to listen first and provide advice second. Having gone through the same experience myself, I often find that I could easily just provide advice based on assumptions or what I went through. But I have learned that sometimes the students already know the answer and they just need someone to listen. Also, when we listen first, we are able to give much more rich and meaningful feedback that is truly tailored to the student and their unique needs.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include spending time with my family, watching my kids in their respective sports, having dinner dates with friends, and attending as many Ole Miss baseball games as I can. When I need to recharge my batteries, I like to read great books and do jigsaw puzzles.
How did it feel to be honored by the students?
I can honestly say that the Friend of the Student award will always be considered one of the highest professional honors I could receive. I am thankful to the students for recognizing me in this way and look forward to continuing to serve as a mentor to them during pharmacy school and beyond.