The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy has established a scholarship to honor the memory of Anne Marie Liles, the school’s former director of experiential affairs, who passed away Aug. 23.
The scholarship was founded with several gifts from School of Pharmacy faculty members who wanted to continue Liles’ legacy of community service. Once the scholarship is fully endowed, it will be awarded each spring to a rising fourth-year student pharmacist who has demonstrated a strong interest in community service during the first three years of the pharmacy professional program.
“This scholarship is a wonderful way to honor Anne Marie and what she stood for,” said David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “She was dedicated to serving her patients and was keenly interested in helping nurture students’ desire to serve their communities as well.”
Liles was the adviser for the student pharmacist organization Prescription for Service, guiding students in efforts to provide health care to underserved communities. She also counseled patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Her family provided input on the creation of the scholarship, asking that the scholarship go to a student pharmacist with a history of performing community service that would help to honor Liles’ own commitment to service.
“We hope that this scholarship will have a significant impact on the student pharmacist who receives it,” said Leigh Ann Ross, associate dean for clinical affairs. “It is also fitting for a fourth-year student to receive this, given Anne Marie’s mentorship over the years as a preceptor and her recent transition to director of experiential affairs.”
Students and colleagues called Liles a role model, an inspiration and a “shining star” as they remembered her care and support of everyone she knew.
To contribute to the Anne Marie Liles Memorial Scholarship, visit umfoundation.com/annemarieliles or contact Port Kaigler at port@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2712.
By Sydney Slotkin DuPriest