Get to know your 2024–2025 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee: Rachel Dawson, national president-elect

Rachel Dawson is a second-year PharmD candidate at the Union University College of Pharmacy and the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national president-elect.

Hi, APhA–ASP! It is an immense honor to serve you as the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national president-elect. Thank you for trusting me to represent you, advocate for you, and support you as you lead your chapters and serve your communities.

I am currently completing my second year at the Union University College of Pharmacy in Jackson, TN, a small city between Memphis and Nashville. Up until moving for college, I lived right down the road in Memphis my entire life.

While I do love Memphis for its famous barbeque, the people are what make it home for me. The constant love, support, and investment from my parents and younger sister shaped me into who I am today. Memphis is also where I met and will be marrying Conor Lucky, my high school sweetheart, on June 1. He is truly my greatest supporter and my best friend.

When a rare moment of free time comes up, I love a walk around campus, a rom-com movie with my roommates, or a game of Just Dance on the Wii. I usually can be found with sweet tea or a can of Coke in hand. These are my trusty sources of caffeine that get me through each day as I go to class, study, and then study some more.

My journey with APhA–ASP began as an undergrad, when a student pharmacist reached out and challenged me to get involved and begin investing time into this organization. This early exposure paved the way for me to explore everything that APhA offers before ever matriculating into pharmacy school. From there, I served as my chapter’s president and made it a priority to engage in experiences such as the Midyear Regional Meeting, Summer Leadership Institute, and APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. These meetings convinced me more than ever that APhA is not just an organization; rather, it’s a community that forever alters the trajectory of one’s future. Even now I can see the fingerprints of this “pharmily” on my professional and personal life.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many student pharmacists from across the country, and every interaction has left me inspired and encouraged. Throughout this term and beyond, I hope to continually build deeper relationships with my fellow student pharmacists as we work together to advance the profession and invest in one another.

I am so excited to see what the next 2 years will hold!

Five questions for Rachel

1. What show are you currently binging?

I haven’t had time to commit to a series recently, but I am always down to watch Mamma Mia!

2. What bucket-list item do you want to check off before you graduate?

ESPN College GameDay at Rocky Top for checkerboard Saturday.

3. Who is the most interesting Disney character and why?

Tow Mater from Cars. While he’s down-to-earth, he’s unpredictable and keeps his friends on their toes (or tires). He is fiercely loyal to his friends and always celebrates the people around him. Although he’s always down for an adventure, he never forgets his roots, and I think that is a really valuable mindset to have.

4. Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why?

Florida’s Emerald Coast! I love the powdery sand, the salty air, the crystal-clear water, and the rest and relaxation.

5. If you could invite any four famous people to a dinner party, who would they be?

Dolly Parton, Queen Elizabeth, Billy Graham, and Carrie Underwood.