Pharmacy's Darby Moore receives President's Award

For Darby Moore, the journey through pharmacy school at Harrison college of pharmacy has been defined by far more than academic success. It has been a story of perseverance, curiosity, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others.

 As a member of the class of 2026, Moore has an extensive record of leadership, service and recognition at HCOP and was recognized as the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award.

“This recognition means so much to me, both personally and professionally,” Moore said. “Personally, it’s incredibly affirming to look back on my time in pharmacy school and see that the effort, growth, and commitment I’ve poured into becoming the best version of myself have been recognized.”

After attending a pharmacy camp in 2018, Moore found both her calling and her community at Auburn.

“That experience gave me my first real glimpse into the profession, and I quickly fell in love with both pharmacy and Auburn,” she said. “From the beginning, Auburn felt like a home away from home. I got a true sense of what the ‘Auburn Family’ means.”

That sense of belonging only deepened over time. Completing both her undergraduate and pharmacy education at Auburn allowed Moore to build lasting relationships with classmates, faculty, and staff.

Throughout her four years at HCOP, Moore immersed herself in nearly every facet of student life. Her extensive leadership resume includes serving as Treasurer of the HCOP Executive Student Council, an HCOP Ambassador, Co-Chair of the college’s annual Chili Cook-Off and Bake Sale, Treasurer for the Student College of Clinical Pharmacy, and Operation Diabetes Chair- Elect.

“Darby’s accomplishments reflect both academic excellence and a deep commitment to advancing the profession and serving others,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Ross, dean of the Harrison College of Pharmacy. “Our mission in the Harrison College of Pharmacy is to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow and Darby embodies the kind of transformative leader that we strive to develop – one who leads with integrity, serves with compassion, and is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.”

Moore also took on national leadership roles, including an appointment to the Student Network Advisory Committee within the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

“I was motivated to get involved because I truly wanted to experience everything pharmacy school had to offer,” she said. “I sought out opportunities to grow, serve, and connect with others.”

Those experiences helped shape her philosophy on leadership - one grounded in adaptability and service.

“Holding such a wide range of roles has significantly shaped my perspective on leadership,” said Moore. “It taught me that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Good leaders must be adaptable.”

Her time at HCOP was marked by both milestone moments and everyday memories, both shaping her personal growth and experience to be a future pharmacist.

“From walking across the stage to receive my white coat to now preparing to walk across again for my diploma, each milestone has been incredibly special,” Moore said. “Studying alongside my classmates, playing Kahoots together, and growing through the challenges of pharmacy school created friendships and memories I will always value.”

Additionally Moore has been the recipient of an array of honors and awards throughout her HCOP journey, including the Outstanding Student Award during her P2 year, and the HCOP Ambassador program recognition.

“I am most proud of my journey as a whole,” she said. “Seeing that growth come full circle has been especially meaningful.”

Like many students, Moore faced challenges along the way - particularly in balancing academic expectations with her extensive involvement.

“I tend to set high standards, and at times that led to a lot of stress,” she said. “I was able to overcome those challenges through the support of my family and close friends, who continually encouraged me and helped keep me grounded. It helped me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it’s something I will carry with me into my career as a pharmacist.”

As she prepares to transition into her residency, Moore is focused on what comes next.

“I am so excited to begin practicing as a pharmacist and to apply everything I’ve learned at HCOP in a real-world setting,” said Moore. “I can’t wait to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, advocate for the pharmacy profession, and help expand the role of pharmacists at my institution.”

When asked to summarize her Auburn experience in a single sentence, her answer was simple: “I believe in Auburn and love it!”

For incoming students, her advice reflects the same intentionality that has defined her journey.

“Embrace every moment and live their pharmacy school experience to the fullest, time will fly by, so take every opportunity to learn, grow, and get involved.”

As Moore receives the President’s Award, her story stands as a testament to what is possible when dedication meets purpose. It is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a signal of the impact she is poised to make in the future of pharmacy.