Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the national Pharmacy Leadership Society, promotes the development of leadership qualities among pharmacy students. The society encourages participation in all pharmacy activities. Since membership crosses fraternal and organizational lines, the Society does not compete with other pharmacy organizations.

Phi Lambda Sigma honors leadership. Members are selected by their peers. Such recognition instills and enhances self-confidence, encourages the less active student to a more active role and promotes greater effort toward the advancement of pharmacy.

Madalyn Edmonds | KU Phi Lambda Sigma President | madalynedmonds@ku.edu

Officers and Advisors —

Officers

• President - Madalyn Edmonds
• Vice President - Adison Hoppas
• Secretary - Emma Kahnk
• Treasurer - Andrew Umscheid
• Alumni Coordinator - Zachary Johns
• New Member Coordinators - Elizabeth Carter, Lindsey Eddings and Savannah Consolver
• Student Activities Coordinators - Sydney Buller, Elizabeth Overmiller and Hannah Coziahr
• Peer Mentor Coordinators – Hannah Hedges, Ryley Elsea and Simrun Khokhar
• Wichita Liaison: Sarra Gutknecht

Advisors

• Lawrence - Karen Moeller
• Wichita - Natalie Gadbois

Events and Meetings —

Peer Mentor Program

The Peer Mentor Program, or PMP, is a student-driven program run by Phi Lambda Sigma that partners current Pharm.D. students with incoming P1s to help ease the transition into pharmacy school. Peer mentors provide additional support to new students by answering questions, giving advice and being a consistent point of contact throughout the year. PMP events offer many opportunities for students to make meaningful connections and gain support from their peers. Some PMP events include a free lunch social over the noon hour, a student organization showcase, CV workshops, and other activities to help students become well-rounded and feel supported. Applications for mentors go out over the summer and applications for mentees open during P1 orientation. The Peer Mentor Program is an incredible opportunity to get involved in pharmacy school, whether as a mentee during your P1 year or as a mentor later on.

“Going into my P1 year, I was hesitant and worried about how to navigate my time during pharmacy school. I was unsure of many things, but one thing I was sure of was that I wanted a connection with an older student to help guide me throughout my journey. Thankfully, the Peer Mentor Program provided just that for me! I made a wonderful connection with a P3 student who helped me learn more about all of the extracurricular activities at the school, volunteering opportunities, shadowing connections, and how to study for certain classes. I honestly think that my time spent as a mentee my P1 year has been the driving force behind my success during my time at the KU School of Pharmacy!”

-Matie Meeks, PharmD, Class of 2022

“When I was a first-year student, I always knew I wanted to have a mentor. I was very excited to learn about the Peer Mentor Program during my orientation. My mentor was able to push me out of my comfort zone and constantly motivated me to become a better student pharmacist. My mentor also gave me plenty of advice on how to do well in each of my courses. This program really allows you to connect with other students.”

-Peter Tran, PharmD, Class of 2022

Membership and Fees —

The Beta Iota Chapter consists of 10% of the student body. Students are nominated by their peers, complete an application for consideration and are selected for membership by the current student members of Phi Lambda Sigma.  Members must be of high moral and ethical character, have successfully completed at least one professional year of scholastic work applicable toward a recognized pharmacy degree, and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 grading scale.

New Membership Fee -  $80 
This one time payment gives each member a life-time membership to the National PLS Chapter

Annual Chapter Dues - $30

P4 Graduation Cords $15 (Optional)

History —

Founded in 1965, through the creative imagination of Alabama Pharmacist Charlie Thomas, then a student at Auburn University School of Pharmacy, Phi Lambda Sigma celebrates many years of leadership recognition. Believing that leaders needed recognition for their contributions to our profession, the Alpha chapter of Auburn University was chartered in 1965 and thus began the tradition that is Phi Lambda Sigma today. The membership of the society is rich in leadership diversity and values the enduring support of the many friends, deans, advisors, faculty, alumni and student members. We are thankful to our founder for having the vision and dedication to leadership that allows us to recognize those individuals who have accepted the responsibility for leadership to profession of pharmacy.

Like many national associations, Phi Lambda Sigma operates through a system of local Chapters. Phi Lambda Sigma Chapters are designated by Greek letter. As of 2011, a Phi Lambda Sigma Chapter has been chartered at 103 of the 125 schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The University of Kansas Chapter- Beta Iota was established by Dr. Kleoppel in 1995.  The chapter has a rich history of accomplishment at the national level with Chapter of the Year Awards in 2014 and 2016.