October 21, 2024
AUBURN, Alabama - A gift from Johnny and Sue Bell, both 1970 Auburn University graduates, has created the first endowed chair in Auburn University’s Harrison College Pharmacy. With its creation, Dean Leigh Ann Ross has been selected as the first-ever Bell Endowed Chair.
“We are so pleased to establish the Bell Endowed Chair within the Harrison College of Pharmacy,” said the Bells. “We have been impressed with Dean Ross’ visionary leadership for the college and want to support her efforts to elevate the profile of the pharmacy program at Auburn University. She is committed to growing and developing pharmacy leaders and we are excited to be a part of that.”
The endowed chair is part of a gift made by the Bells in 2021 to advance the college’s strategic initiatives and elevate the profile of the college, allowing it to pursue innovative projects and opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.
“I am thankful for the generosity of Johhny and Sue Bell for creating the first endowed chair in the history of the Harrison College of Pharmacy, and am honored to be the first recipient of this prestigious recognition,” said Ross. “Their support goes a long way in strengthening and enhancing this mission of the Harrison College of Pharmacy and advancing pharmacy education at Auburn.”
Ross was formally recognized during the annual Auburn University Endowed Faculty Ceremony on Oct. 17.
Both members of the Auburn Class of 1970, Sue earned a bachelor’s degree in education, while Johnny earned his in pharmacy. Following graduation, the couple relocated to York, Alabama, where he worked as a pharmacist with York Pharmacy and she taught elementary school. The couple purchased the York Pharmacy in 1972 and worked the business, eventually purchasing The Drug Store in Livingston.
In 1986, Johnny Bell, along with other professionals, created and developed Vital Care Inc. Vital Care is a pharmacy-based provider of home infusion services to patients with both chronic and acute conditions. A franchise-based company, it has grown to more than 60 locations in more than 20 states since its inception.
“Johnny and Sue Bell have shown an inspiring commitment to pharmacy, the Harrison College of Pharmacy and the education of future pharmacy leaders,” said Ross. “Their vision and leadership are evident in their work to advance pharmacy practice and care for their communities.”
In 1992, Johnny Bell was recognized with the Bowl of Hygeia from the Alabama Pharmacy Association, an award that recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in their communities. He was also honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Auburn Pharmacy Alumni Affiliate in 1998.
Members of both the Samford Society and the 1856 Society, the Bells reside in Gulf Breeze, Florida. The couple is very involved with their three children—two of whom are Auburn graduates—and five grandchildren.
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Auburn University's Harrison College of Pharmacy is ranked among the top 20 percent of all colleges of pharmacy in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the College offers doctoral degrees in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and pharmaceutical sciences (Ph.D.) while also offering a master's in pharmaceutical sciences and a bachelor’s in drug and biopharmaceutical sciences. The College’s commitment to world-class scholarship and interdisciplinary research speaks to Auburn’s overarching Carnegie R1 designation that places Auburn among the top 100 doctoral research universities in the nation. For more information about the College, please call 334.844.8348 or visit http://pharmacy.auburn.edu.