WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 25, 2024) — Palm Beach Atlantic University reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in health care training and the field of pharmacy during a special rededication ceremony for the Gregory School of Pharmacy. The event, held on Friday, September 20, celebrated 20 years of Gregory Hall’s role in shaping future pharmacists who combine clinical expertise with Christ-centered service.
More than 100 community leaders, students and faculty, and University supporters—including Palm Beach County resident and pro-golfer Jack Nicklaus—attended the rededication, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and string quartet, alumni and founder reflections, and a prayer of rededication.
The rededication featured the opening of a student services hub to support current and prospective students seeking administrative guidance with enrollment or other services from the Gregory School of Pharmacy.
“This rededication ceremony symbolizes PBA’s commitment to expanding our programs and advancing our strategic vision through the God-Sized Dreams campaign,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “As a medical doctor and academic leader, I understand the significance of having donors support health care education. We thank the Gregory family for supporting PBA, and we look forward to enhancing our impact over the next 20 years.”
PBA’s School of Pharmacy opened in 2001, and in 2003, Drs. Joseph R. and John M. Gregory and their family contributed $7.5 million to the University to fund the construction of a new building to permanently house the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. In September 2004, PBA opened Gregory Hall. The 45,000-square-foot building features advanced technology, smart classrooms, research and teaching labs, and lounges, offices, and seminar rooms. It was named in honor of Joseph and John’s father, who demonstrated faithfulness and lifelong dedication to God, his family and Christian higher education. About five years ago, the Gregory family gave PBA yet another generous gift. This enabled pharmacy faculty to purchase an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system and mass spectrometer, enhancing the school’s training equipment by enabling students to assess drug efficacy and adjust treatment plans for patients.
Today, more than 1,300 students have graduated from the Gregory School of Pharmacy. PBA offers a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD), the dual PharmD/MBA program (also made possible by the Gregory family’s gift), and a PharmD with a concentration in medical Spanish.
“A little over 20 years ago, President Paul Corts and Dr. Don Warren approached the Gregory family about providing the initial capital to fund a school of pharmacy that would be founded on biblical principles and Christian values,” said John Gregory. “The family’s hope was that PBA would live up to their promise of developing a school of pharmacy that was centered on pharmacy with faith. After 20 years, I am pleased to say that PBA has lived up to everything they promised the Gregory family. Today, the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy is one of the top pharmacy schools in the state of Florida and, in my opinion, the best Christian pharmacy school in the United States.”
The building also hosts three 75-seat lecture halls, including the L. Charles Nicklaus Lecture Hall, named in memory of Jack Nicklaus’ father, a dedicated pharmacist and pharmacy owner in Ohio.
“John, thank you, and thanks to Palm Beach Atlantic for honoring my father that way, and for inviting Barbara and me to be here today to be part of this 20-year celebration,” said Jack Nicklaus, who shared some of his father’s story and his own path from pursuing a pharmacy career to becoming golf history’s greatest champion—thanks in large part to his father introducing him to the game and his unwavering support.
With a holistic approach to education earmarked by unique professional opportunities—including medical mission trips and clinical rotations at top biotech, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies—Gregory School of Pharmacy students are transformed into professional servant-leaders who advocate for their patients. PBA graduates consistently surpass national averages on the NAPLEX and MPJE exams—securing the University’s rank among the top two pharmacy schools in Florida.
Through the God-Sized Dreams campaign, PBA also has plans to build a new health sciences complex, which will enhance program offerings, inter-professional training, and partnerships with health care leaders to offer on-campus clinics.
For more information about the Gregory School of Pharmacy, visit pba.edu/pharmacy.
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About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
