Atlee Carr chose pharmacy over other healthcare professions after job shadowing several pharmacists in high school.
“Seeing how pharmacists were so accessible and reliable motivated me to want to find a spot in the field,” he said. “I want to play an active part in the lives of patients in order to ensure positive health outcomes.”
For this Hillsboro, Ohio student, helping others is second nature.
At ONU, he spearheaded a project to bring a global service event to campus. In 2022 and 2023, thanks to Atlee’s initiative and efforts, more than 75 ONU student volunteers made over 15,000 easily transportable meals for the God Always Provides (GAP) food packaging program sponsored by the International Disaster Emergency Services.
The meals, which are made of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and 21 essential vitamins and minerals, are distributed worldwide to combat hunger, explained Atlee. “I feel like this event was important for ONU to participate in because it expanded our scope of service from community based to international.”
Atlee also tutors and mentors fellow Polar Bears who need assistance with their coursework.
“Working in the tutoring center has helped me grow the most,” he says. “My freshman year, I often went there to ask for help with my own classes. Once I became a tutor myself, I was better able to connect with each student because I could see where they were coming from.”
When he’s not learning, working or helping others, Atlee can be found unwinding on the volleyball court. ONU’s club volleyball team has been an outlet for him and a source of great friendships. “We are such a close knit group of guys,” he says. “Practicing each week is my favorite event and provides a good stress relief.”
After graduation, Atlee is considering a PGY-1 residency program or finding employment in a community pharmacy setting.
ONU, he says, is the best launching pad for whatever lies ahead. “ONU allows me to constantly grow and learn more because of all the opportunities,” he says. “Not only is the pharmacy program well-respected, but the professors are very approachable and they all want students to succeed.”