JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 14, 2025)—Steve Ellis, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
at East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, is the first non-pharmacist
ever to earn the Tennessee Society of Student Pharmacists Student Advocacy Award from
the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA). Ellis was honored with the award on Tuesday,
Feb. 25, in Nashville during TPA’s Pharmacy Day on the Hill.
The TSSP Student Advocacy Award is traditionally been presented annually to a professor,
preceptor, or pharmacist who has demonstrated devotion to the success of student pharmacists
through a commitment of life-long leadership which directly encouraged, inspired and
facilitated the development of TSSP organization members to perform to their fullest
potential. When Ellis was nominated, TSSP updated the award criteria to allow non-pharmacists
to be eligible, making Ellis the first non-pharmacist to receive this honor.
"I am truly honored to receive the Student Advocacy Award from the Tennessee Society
of Student Pharmacists, and it is especially meaningful knowing that this recognition
comes from students," said Ellis. "I love working with students to help them achieve
their goals. Seeing their growth, success and dedication to the profession of pharmacy
inspires me every day. I am grateful for the opportunity to support and advocate for
them, and I look forward to continuing to champion their journeys in the years to
come."
Ellis has extensive experience in student services, starting his career at Texas A&M
University, his alma mater, and Louisiana State University in Shreveport before coming
to ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, where he served as Assistant Dean for Student
Affairs and Director of Student Support Services and Outreach Programs. After ETSU
Gatton College of Pharmacy was founded in 2005, Ellis played a key role in the college’s
early development, officially joining in 2008 to lead the Office of Student Affairs.
This office supports students throughout their entire journey — from recruitment efforts
starting as early as high school, to current student services, and even alumni engagement
after graduation. Ellis also serves on the college’s Executive Committee and has held
leadership roles at the university level.
Ellis received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina, and a Master of Science in sociology from Texas A&M University in
College Station, Texas.
Learn more at etsu.edu/pharmacy. Questions? Email pharmacy@etsu.edu or call (423)
439-6300.