Appalachian College of Pharmacy

The Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) stands as a beacon of health and economic development in Southwest Virginia. Founded in 2003, its inception was a direct response to a critical need: a local age-adjusted mortality rate 42% higher than the rest of Virginia, coupled with a national shortage of pharmacists. Envisioned not just as an educational institution but as a powerful tool for economic redevelopment, ACP has been instrumental in transforming its surrounding community, bringing vital healthcare education and economic growth to the region.

Initially chartered as the University of Appalachia, College of Pharmacy by the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, the school quickly established its foundational role. It welcomed its first class of students in August 2005 and proudly saw them graduate in May 2008. To streamline its accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the institution adopted its current name, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, in March 2009, better reflecting its distinct, standalone operational nature.

Under the leadership of President Michael McGlothlin, ACP offers rigorous Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Public Health programs, alongside a Certified Pharmacy Technician program, equipping students with essential skills for impactful careers. The college's presence has fostered significant local growth, including new housing and businesses, injecting an estimated $20 million annually into the economy. For prospective students seeking a purposeful education and the chance to make a real difference, ACP offers a unique blend of academic excellence and community impact in a region dedicated to health and revitalization.