OAKWOOD, VA (NOVEMBER 11, 2025) – Leaders of two of the region’s colleges signed a dual degree agreement on November 11, which will enable qualified students to sequentially earn a bachelor’s degree at one school and a doctor of pharmacy degree at the other, shaving two years off the traditional higher education/graduate school path leading to both degrees.

The dual degree agreement between King University in Bristol, TN and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) in Oakwood, VA, will allow students to complete a bachelor’s degree at King University in three years and then complete a doctor of pharmacy degree at ACP in three additional years. ACP offers the only three-year accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, the college offers an add-on online Doctor of Public Health degree which can be completed post-PharmD in as little as one year. A Certified Pharmacy Technician program is also offered on a rolling admission basis.

Pharm-D students enrolled in ACP programs who are from the Tri-Cities area can complete their first year of study at the ACP Oakwood campus and then spend their final two years at the ACP campus location at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. A similar opportunity exists for students from the Roanoke area who can complete their studies at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke, VA.

“The agreement with King University will allow students to apply themselves and receive a first-class, high-quality college education at King University and then come to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy and receive a first-class, high-quality education leading to a doctor of pharmacy degree at an affordable cost,” ACP President Mickey McGlothlin said at the signing ceremony held on the campus of King University.

McGlothlin said finishing the program earlier than on a traditional route through the new dual degree agreement is a substantial cost savings, providing qualified students with savings in terms of the cost of education and additionally, more time to earn a paycheck in a pharmacy career.

“King University and Appalachian School of Pharmacy’s 3+3 agreement is a powerful win for our students and for the health of the Appalachian region,” said King University provost, Dr. Matthew Roberts. “The agreement creates an accelerated path saving students a critical year of tuition and allowing them to enter the workforce faster. Both of our institutions are committed to equipping the next generation of healthcare leaders, and this partnership directly addresses the regional need for skilled, compassionate pharmacists who are ready to serve our communities.”

McGlothlin expressed ACP’s appreciation to King University for their work with ACP Provost and Dean Susan Mayhew and ACP Director of Admissions and Student Services Jason McGlothlin in advancing the accelerated pathway to the dual degree program announced Tuesday. He also expressed his appreciation to King University for coordinating the signing ceremony and program announcement.

Under the agreement, both institutions will appoint a program supervisor to monitor, manage and advise students who participate in the dual degree program. ACP will admit up to 10 students each year pursuing an accelerated program leading to the bachelor degree in biology and a doctor of pharmacy from ACP. It will require approximately three years of attendance at King University followed by a minimum of three academic years attendance at ACP. If more than 10 students from King University are qualified, the students chosen to attend ACP will be selected on a competitive basis. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to participate in both colleges’ commencement ceremonies.

_{About Appalachian College of Pharmacy
The Appalachian College of Pharmacy is the only three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Founded in 2003, the college accepted its first students in 2005. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The college also offers a Doctor of Public Health degree and a Certified Pharmacy Technician program. Its mission is to cultivate a learning community committed to education, community outreach and the professional development of pharmacists. Its graduate pharmacists are now practicing throughout the United States.}

_{About King University
King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated, doctoral-level comprehensive university. Founded in 1867 as King College, the University offers more than 90 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees, and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, pharmacy, education, and humanities. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, and nursing. A number of research, off-campus learning opportunities, and travel destinations are also available. King University is a NCAA Division II and a Conference Carolinas member with 29 varsity sports. For more information about King University, visit www.king.edu. King University does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability. King University is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia.}