Centennial Milestones
June 15, 1903
University of Georgia Board of Trustees authorizes the new pharmacy school. Samuel C. Benedict,
M.D., University of Georgia physician and former President of the Georgia Medical Association,
is named the first dean.
1905
Student enrollment is delayed due to destruction of the Science Hall building by fire. The new
school, opened in Terrell Hall, occupies one office, one classroom, one lab and a storage room
in the basement.
1907
The School of Pharmacy hires Robert C. Wilson, a pharmacist, as the first full-time pharmacist
faculty member.
1908
First graduates earn the Graduate in Pharmacy (PhG) degree in a 2-year program.
1925
Wilson signs his first annual report as Dean.
First three females graduate.
1926
One of the nation's first four-year degree program, Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacy, is
adopted, seven years before the State of Georgia requires a pharmacy degree in order to obtain
a license as a pharmacist.
1936
Pharmacy school graduation is required for licensure.
1939
The School of Pharmacy moves to New College with renovation funds from Robert Woodruff of The
Coca-Cola Company. However, New College is "new" only in that it was built in 1822 and thus
was younger than Old College, which had been built in 1801.
1948
Kenneth L. Waters is named Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
1949
First Continuing Education seminar is presented for practicing pharmacists.
1950
Co-op program offers "learn one, work one" as a plan of study.
1952
First Master of Science Degree is awarded.
1953
Continuous, nine-quarter BS program permits graduation in 27 straight months.
1957
First Pre-Pharmacy Advisors Conference is held.
1960
The curriculum converts to a five-year (2+3) BS in Pharmacy degree and graduates its first
students in 1964.
1964
The School of Pharmacy moves to its present facility. Its nearly 100,000 square feet of usable
office, lab and classroom space have undergone extensive renovations and expansions over the
years.
Hubert Humphrey, R.Ph., who was elected Vice President of the United States in 1964, visits the
pharmacy school. He and Dean Wilson exchange copies of the book each has written.
1967
First Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded. First Alumni Advisory Council is organized.
1968
Pharmacy school enrollment is the nation's largest with 437 students in the last three years of
the professional program.
1969
First continuing education telelecture in Georgia is delivered.
1970
First African-American student graduates.
1971
Federal capitation grants provide for the first audiovisual learning laboratory, later named the
Millikan Educational Resources Center (MERC).
1973
A clinical training program for pharmacy students is started at the Medical College of Georgia
under supervision of College of Pharmacy faculty.
1977
Howard C. Ansel is named Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
1978
Dedication of the Robert C. Wilson Pharmacy Pharmacy Building takes place on Dean Wilson's
100th Birthday, October 29, 1978. The University of Georgia obtains special permission to name
a state building after a living person.
1982
The Kenneth L. Waters Lecture Series begins.
1983
The pharmacy school is designated as a College of Pharmacy.
The first post-BS Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students graduate.
1989
The PharmD tracking program accepts its first students, allowing them to earn both degrees in
four years.
Interactive distance learning technology begins between Athens and Augusta through the Georgia
State Administrative and Medical System (GSAMS).
1991
Stuart Feldman becomes Dean of the College.
1992
Georgia lottery provides funds to increase technology in education. The MERC becomes a computer
lab.
1995
Curriculum undergoes total revision to adopt a new format for an all-PharmD Program.
1998
Non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program is offered to Georgia practitioners. BS in Pharmacy
degree is eliminated.
First Distinguished Professorships are established.
2000
Svein Řie is named Dean of the College.
2003
Centennial celebration begins.
Placement of Centennial marker denotes founding of the College of Pharmacy.
D.W. Brooks Mall greenspace created.
For more information, contact Dr. Lee Schramm, Centennial Coordinator, at 706-542-5404.
