Endowed scholarship in the College of Health Professions announced at North Dakota State University

NDSU today announced a scholarship named the Dean Charles D. Peterson Pharmacy Endowed Scholarship in the College of Health Professions, created in honor of the college’s dean, Charles D. Peterson, for his commitment to students and to the university. 

With more than 2,000 students, the College of Health Professions at NDSU serves citizens of the state by preparing students in nursing, pharmacy, allied sciences and public health to serve in health care settings across the state and beyond. The College includes: the School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing, the Department of Allied Sciences, the Department of Public Health, and the Family HealthCare Pharmacy. 

Peterson’s career at NDSU has spanned 27 years, with 20 of those as dean. Under his leadership, the team of professionals at the College developed the program from a single discipline in pharmacy, to a major multidisciplinary health professions training program which established:  one of the first Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the U.S.; a NDSU nursing program in two locations to serve the needs of the state; and a Master of Public Health degree program—the only program in the nation offering specialization in American Indian Public Health. 

Peterson also serves as principal investigator and project director for the North Dakota Telepharmacy Project, one of the most successful telehealth programs in the nation. More than 80 telepharmacies are operating in North Dakota, serving approximately 80,000 rural citizens who have had their pharmacy services restored, retained, or established through the North Dakota Telepharmacy Project since its inception.

 

The College and corporate partners also developed the Thrifty White Concept Pharmacy at NDSU, which partners called a unique and innovative breakthrough in pharmacy education. As dean and professor, Dr. Peterson serves as a member of the evaluation team for the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education, the agency responsible for accrediting schools of pharmacy nationally. In addition, the College of Health Professions research activities have grown to approximately $15 million. 

“I am humbled by this honor of an endowed scholarship at NDSU, which is recognition of the work of our entire team,” said Peterson. “Most importantly, I appreciate that our outstanding students will benefit from this opportunity, as they receive professional training to provide critically-needed health services in the state and beyond,” said Peterson. 

The NDSU College of Health Professions has been advancing health care for the benefit of society for more than 100 years. Its mission is to educate students and advance research and professional service in the pharmacy, nursing, allied sciences and public health fields. The College of Health Professions now has the largest enrollment of students in health-related disciplines of any college in state. 

More than 50 alumni, supporters and staff attended an event honoring Dean Peterson to announce the Endowed Scholarship on Jan. 28 at the NDSU McGovern Alumni Center. To support students at NDSU entering health care professions, contact Amy Ruley, senior director of development, College of Health Professions at amy.ruley@ndsu.edu or 701-231-6461.

Top of page