Get to know your 2024–2025 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee: Ashley McKechan, national member-at-large
Ashley McKechan is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis College of Pharmacy and a 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national member-at-large.
Hello! Originally from Springfield, IL, I attend the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis College of Pharmacy and have had the honor of serving as APhA–ASP Chapter president this past academic year.
During my term, we were able to showcase the power of student pharmacists through a walk-in clinic that provided free immunizations, BP screenings, blood glucose testing, and health information that had more than 100 attendees. Our patient care projects were also able to execute more than 20 events during the school year.
I loved having the opportunity to lead our chapter and learn more about APhA–ASP. While serving as chapter president, I fell deeper in love with the organization, and that passion motivated me to run for a regional position in November 2023. As the APhA–ASP Region 6 regional delegate, I saw the impact I could make directly for the betterment of the profession and student pharmacists. I was inspired to create resolutions to propose to the House of Delegates at the 2024 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition, which allowed me to network with other student pharmacists as advocates for the profession and to play a role in shaping our future. At APhA2024 in March, I was honored to be elected as an APhA–ASP national member-at-large to help represent the voice of student pharmacists.
Through this role, I hope to join pharmacy leaders in creating positive change for the future of pharmacy and play a pivotal role in helping our communities. During this year, I plan to develop deeper relationships with other student pharmacists and be an effective leader for my fellow student pharmacists. I hope to serve the Academy to the best of my ability and help others understand the importance of APhA–ASP while also developing themselves professionally and personally. Furthermore, I want to celebrate our accomplishments within pharmacy and reflect on our present and futures of our profession.
As for my hobbies outside of pharmacy school, I love to travel, play with my Scottish fold cat Ollie, and spend time outdoors.
I’m happy to answer any questions, concerns, or just to talk at any time. Here’s to a great year of elevating pharmacy!
Five questions for Ashley
1. What show are you currently binging?
The Office.
2. What bucket-list item do you want to check off before you graduate?
I hope to learn how to make bread from scratch!
3. Who is the most interesting Disney character and why?
Merida from Brave. I find her interesting, as she is a strong female character that goes against her family's strict ideals to seek her own path. She is extremely courageous, and the storyline reflects the importance of striving for your personal goals by any means necessary.
4. Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why?
Poland. This is where my mom is from, and where part of my family currently lives! I would love to travel there to see her life from when she was young and become immersed within the culture.
5. If you could invite any four famous people to a dinner party, who would they be?
Princess Diana, J.D. Salinger, Amy Poehler, and John F. Kennedy.