“I believe the most important part of recruiting students is building a relationship.”

Clinical Professor Erica Estus, who heads up the URI College of Pharmacy recruiting program, has faced major obstacles over the past two years establishing those relationships while the COVID-19 pandemic prevented prospective students from visiting Avedisian Hall. Coupled with a national downturn in college of pharmacy applications, the College knew maintaining its historically impressive student numbers would be a great challenge.

Despite the challenges, The College attracted several hundred quality applications and met its class size goals for 2021-2022.

“With the pandemic and all the obstacles, how we’ve been affected in admissions primarily is the type of events that we’ve been able to deliver,” Estus said. “We always pride ourselves that people can come see the building, feel the building, talk to students. For all of last year, that was really restricted. So it was really kind of amazing that we were able to keep some of the events – remotely – and keep the numbers up. We just figured out ways to make our programs be as engaging as we could while following all the protocols.”

So students could still meet professors and learn first-hand about College offerings, Estus worked with Manager of Technology Services Ian Lester to create group and one-on-one Zoom info sessions, and Zoom tours of Avedisian Hall. Even the annual High School Day, when young students from across the state visit, was arranged virtually in 2020. Lester also arranged for potential students to Zoom into actual classes to learn exactly what they could expect from the College.

“We went out of our way to make ourselves available any way we could,” Estus said. “Anything they could have done in person, we did our best to allow them to experience it remotely. So whether or not you meet them in person, they still know you; we were still able to establish those relationships.”

Of course, having a high-quality program to sell to prospective students is critical. The College’s unique 0-6 program, which allows students direct admission from high school into the Pharm.D. program, is a huge draw. The College’s professors are national leaders in education and research, routinely ranking among the top 10 in federal research funding. Graduating students were employed at a 97 percent rate last year, and they ranked in the top 10 nationally in year 1 residency placement.

So what are some of the attractions prospective students see in the URI College of Pharmacy? Two first-year students give their perspective:

Willy Njeru, Class of 2027: “I was invited to a personal tour of URI in March of this year. This was the first and only tour I ever had of a college campus, yet it was enough to convince me that URI was where I belonged. I noticed how engaged and supportive the faculty were toward the students. Also, through interaction with older students, I got the sense that URI is ultimately a community in which every person is valued. On top of that, URI’s nationally ranked, direct-entry, 6-year doctor of pharmacy program made this university the best option for me. Overall, choosing URI is a choice I don’t regret!”

Nisha Kakwani, Class of 2027: “One of the things that made me choose URI was the welcoming and friendly environment. Everyone I spoke to were all so kind and welcoming. I also admired the collaborative environment and how students helped each other academically. Another reason is all the opportunities within the College of Pharmacy and the university as a whole. There are a number of different pharmacy related clubs and organizations. Additionally, I had the opportunity to continue my passion for journalism and yoga by writing for The Good 5 Cent Cigar and teaching yoga classes at the fitness center. I am confident in my decision in coming to school here, and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”