PURPOSE AND HISTORY
The purpose of Phi Lambda
Sigma, also known as the national Pharmacy Leadership Society,
is to promote the development of leadership qualities,
especially among pharmacy students. By peer recognition, the
Society encourages participation in all pharmacy activities.
Since membership crosses fraternal and organizational lines, the
Society does not compete with other pharmacy organizations.
Phi Lambda Sigma is complementary to Rho Chi in that it honors
leadership, while Rho Chi honors scholastic achievement. Members
are selected by peer recognition. No greater honor can be
bestowed upon an individual than to be recognized as a leader by
one's peers. Such recognition instills and enhances
self-confidence, encourages the less active student to a more
active role and promotes greater effort toward the advancement
of pharmacy.
Phi Lambda Sigma honors
leadership. Members are selected by peer recognition. No
greater honor can be bestowed upon an individual than to be
recognized as a leader by one’s peers. Such recognition
instills and enhances self-confidence, encourages the less
active student to a more active role and promotes greater effort
toward the advancement of pharmacy.
Phi Lambda Sigma was organized
in March, 1965 by then student Charlie Thomas on the campus of
Auburn University, with the approval of the faculty of the
School of Pharmacy. Following a two-year probationary period,
the Auburn University Student Senate granted a charter to the
Society on October 3, 1967. The Phi Lambda Sigma National
Fraternity was legally incorporated in Lee County, Alabama on
June 28, 1968. That same year, the name “Phi Lambda Sigma” was
registered with the U.S. Bureau of Patents and Copyrights in
Washington, D.C., and an official key was designed by the
Balfour Company. The National Office was moved from Auburn
University to Atlanta, Georgia in 1992. In 1996, Phi Lambda
Sigma contracted with the University of Tennessee College of
Pharmacy for administration of the Society, and the National
Office was relocated from Atlanta to the campus of the
University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in Memphis,
Tennessee. In 1999 the Society relocated to the University of
Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy where it makes its
current home
FOUNDER
Founded in 1965, through the
creative imagination of Alabama Pharmacist Charlie Thomas, then
a student at Auburn University School of Pharmacy, Phi Lambda
Sigma celebrates many years of leadership recognition.
Believing that leaders needed recognition for their
contributions to our profession, the Alpha chapter of Auburn
University was chartered in 1965 and thus began the tradition
that is Phi Lambda Sigma today. The membership of the society
is rich in leadership diversity and values the enduring support
of the many friends, deans, advisors, faculty, alumni and
student members. We are thankful to our founder for having the
vision and dedication to leadership that allows us to recognize
those individuals who have accepted the responsibility for
leadership to this grand old profession…Pharmacy.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in Phi Lambda Sigma
consists of four categories: student, faculty, alumni and
honorary. For a student to be eligible for membership, he or
she shall be of high moral and ethical character, shall have
successfully completed at least one professional year of
scholastic work applicable toward a recognized pharmacy degree,
and shall have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a
4.00 grading scale. Any exception must comply with the
Constitution and Bylaws of Phi Lambda Sigma. Nomination for all
membership categories emanates from the present members of the
Society. Prospective members are nominated on the basis of
their demonstration of dedication, service and leadership in the
advancement of pharmacy. By promoting such recognition, Phi
Lambda Sigma provides an incentive for the development of future
leadership potential for the profession.
PLS Mission, Goals, Objectives
Mission:
To support pharmacy leadership commitment by recognizing
leaders and fostering leadership development
Goal 1:
Ensure the continuing availability of student and
practitioner leaders for the profession of pharmacy.
- Develop awareness of the continuing need for leaders in
the profession of pharmacy
- Promote opportunities and rewards for leadership in the
profession of pharmacy
- Motivate student pharmacists and pharmacists to accept
leadership service opportunities
- Promote leadership research
Goal 2:
Acknowledge leadership achievement and award membership to
leaders recommended by the Society
- Strengthen recognition of Phi Lambda Sigma as the
leadership honor society in pharmacy
- Promote the national awareness and visibility of Phi
Lambda Sigma by linking membership and leadership
achievement
- Build a sound membership base of students, alumni,
faculty, and honorary members.
Goal 3:
Enhance the talent, skill, and effectiveness of leaders for
the profession of pharmacy
- Support and encourage programs and services to assist
those who desire to serve in a leadership role
Goal 4:
Support and encourage sustained leadership commitment
- Ensure the continued utilization of the talents, skills,
and experiences of existing leaders
- Reward students and practitioners who serve the
profession in a sustained leadership role
