University of the Sciences bestowed an honorary doctor of science degree on Fred M. Eckel P’61, MS, RPh, executive director of the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, during its 188th commencement ceremony on May 20, 2009, at The Mann Center for Performing Arts.
In addition to conferring almost 500 degrees to the next generation of pharmacists, scientists, and healthcare professionals, the University also bestowed three honorary doctor of science degrees, including one to Eckel. An alumnus, Eckel has been a strong advocate for the University, has demonstrated a life-long dedication to the advancement of pharmacy, and is an inspiration to pharmacists throughout the nation.
Countless pharmacists are better informed thanks to the efforts of Eckel who serves as editor-in-chief of Pharmacy Times. He has contributed more than 250 articles and editorials to the pharmacy literature and is a frequent speaker at pharmacy meetings, covering all 50 states and on five continents. A pharmacist by choice, commitment, and concern, he has worked in community and hospital pharmacy settings, including serving as director of pharmacy at the UNC Hospitals from 1968 to 1975. Eckel is the past president of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, North Carolina Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the North Carolina Center for Pharmaceutical Care, for which he currently serves as Executive Director.
Eckel grew up in Philadelphia, Pa., where he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He completed his MS in hospital pharmacy and residency at The Ohio State University. He currently resides in Chapel Hill, N.C.