FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2020

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV - Glenville State College (GSC) senior Janeeva Jenkins was recently accepted into the School of Pharmacy at West Virginia University. The resident of Troy, West Virginia is on track to graduate from GSC in December 2020.

She says that her desired career in pharmacy is rooted in a desire to help others. “I have had loved ones affected by cancer, heart issues, diabetes, and many other medical issues. I have seen the direct effects of how medicine can help them overcome these problems. This made me want to be a vital part of that process of helping others better themselves,” she said. “I chose WVU because it is still close to home, they have a high percent of first time board pass rate, a high percent of retaining of students from admission to graduation, and I have always wanted to be a Mountaineer,” she added.

Jenkins applied for early admission to WVU’s School of Pharmacy which required an application, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Candidates are also normally required to complete the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), but that particular requirement was waived for Jenkins’ admission cycle due to COVID-19. “I had already prepared for the PCAT by taking practice tests, reviewing study guides, and taking a test prep course at Glenville. The cancellation was announced after I had scheduled my test date which was supposed to be September 10,” she said.

The next day she received an email letting her know that she had qualified for an interview – she had successfully made it through the first phase of the admissions process.

“After that, I interviewed with two faculty/professional staff members via Zoom. They asked several questions and allowed me to do the same,” she said. Following the interview, the committee shared that she would know whether or not she was being accepted within 10 business days. “Those were the longest, most nerve-racking ten days! But on October 1, while I was in lab, I received an email from WVU stating that I was offered admission into their program,” she said.
 
During her time at Glenville State College, Jenkins has been a member of the campus Honors Program and took part in an education abroad trip to Panama in 2019 alongside other members of her Tropical Ecology class. She says she counts that trip among her most rewarding accomplishments. “That was the first time I had been on a plane and the first time I had been out of the country. I was able to experience it with friends who shared similar interests and I completed a research project on the density of poison dart frogs and their location with Autumn Jones,” she said.

“Although we were in Panama for scientific research, I also learned much more about myself and other cultures. It opened my eyes to how thankful we should be for things we often take for granted like clothing, food, and healthcare. It also sparked my love for traveling and being in nature as we hiked many trails through the rainforest and saw many breathtaking views,” she recalled.

Now that her time at Glenville State is nearing its end, she is reflecting on the accomplishments that have brought her to this point – and thinking of those who have helped along the way.

“My chemistry classes taught by Dr. [Kevin] Evans and Dr. [David] O’Dell played a large role in preparing me for pharmacy school, from learning the rules of log to the chair conformations in organic chemistry. The tips and tricks they taught me on how to save time in timed test taking also helped when taking the PCAT. Dr. Evans, my advisor, also ensured that I was taking the correct classes to complete my chemistry major and biology minor, while also completing the prerequisite classes to qualify for pharmacy school. Dr. [Sara] Sawyer offered a test preparation course, which allowed me to designate time to study specifically for the PCAT and focus on my weak points. Dr. [Jeremy] Keene has guided me throughout almost three semesters of research, giving me hands-on experience. As a whole, the Science and Math Department has played a huge role in readying me for the next step into pharmacy school. They have encouraged me to be the best that I can, challenged me to form my own opinions, and inspired me to not settle,” Jenkins said.

Upon completion of the pharmacy program at West Virginia University, which takes approximately four years, Jenkins will earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Following that milestone, Jenkins says she is still somewhat undecided. “I would like to work out of state for a period of time and travel when possible. Throughout school I will be able to explore my options within pharmacy, ranging from local pharmacies to hospitals, to make the decision of my main focus. Currently, I am leaning toward research-based pharmacy,” she said.