Frank Tillman III, a first-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, was selected as the professional student recipient of a 2016 University Diversity Award.
The University Diversity Award recognizes people and groups who have made an effort to further diversity and inclusion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and in the surrounding community. Individuals, units and organizations are selected for having advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented groups; demonstrated a sustained commitment to the advancement of cultural diversity and inclusion at UNC or in the surrounding community; demonstrated respect or inclusive treatment or implemented or sponsored an event which cultivates diversity and inclusion.
“I have known Frank since his sophomore year in high school, he’s been involved in various program initiatives and held leadership roles and now is in the school of pharmacy,” said Carla White, assistant dean of innovative leadership and diversity at the School. “He is a constant reminder that our purpose is greater. We are here to inspire and support those that want to make the world better.”
Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Tillman attended UNC and earned a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and organizational communication studies with a minor in chemistry. During his time as an undergraduate student, he said he developed an interest for serving underserved communities and was involved in the Minority Student Recruitment Committee, the Hurston Hall Initiative and the Sleep Out for the Homeless Initiative. He founded Undergraduate Students for Diversity in Pharmacy.
He said his commitment to diversity and inclusion remains a priority for him during his time as at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. As the 2016–2017 president-elect for the Student Health Action Coalition, he is working on a feasibility study to enroll Spanish speakers into a text message platform as a means of enhancing medication adherence among the population.
“For me, the award has given me such a larger platform to meet phenomenal people who are doing great work in the community,” Tillman said. “I have met people who are truly shaping higher values of diversity and inclusion in unique ways, so this has truly been an inspiration for me to continue fighting for diversity. I’m also hoping that earning this award will allow me to push harder for diversity, inclusion and acceptance of others in a larger scale in the Carolina community.”
The University Diversity Awards Ceremony was held on April 6 at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.