Admissions Team

At the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, our dedicated Admissions Team is your guide to making your academic aspirations a reality. Committed to excellence and equipped with a wealth of knowledge about our programs, requirements, and application processes, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about admissions criteria, need guidance on application procedures, or seek insights into our vibrant academic community, our friendly and knowledgeable admissions professionals are ready to support your journey toward a rewarding education in pharmacy.

Meet Our Team

Headshot of Kelly Epplen

Kelly Epplen

Associate Dean for Admissions & Student Affairs
Associate Professor
, Pharmacy Student & Alumni Affairs

135G Kowalewski Hall

513-558-0713

Dr. Kelly Epplen is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions at the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.  She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1997 and began her career at the former Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati where her primary role was the development and implementation of ambulatory clinical pharmacist services. She has been instrumental in developing pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinics and pharmacotherapy clinics at UC Health, as well as St. Elizabeth Healthcare of Northern Kentucky.  In addition, she was actively involved in residency training and has served as program director for both PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residency programs.  She joined the University of Cincinnati faculty in 2009 and established a practice within the Family Practice Center of St. Elizabeth Healthcare where she was responsible for direct patient care as well as student and resident training.  In 2019, Dr. Epplen assumed the role of Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.  She was an advisory board member for the Ambulatory Care BCACP examination review course and has several publications in the area of ambulatory pharmacy practice.  She has co-authored the business plan development chapter in ASHP's publication:  Building a Successful Ambulatory Practice and is a contributing author for ASHPs revision of the Minimum Practice Standards for Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Practice.  She is a member of the ASHP Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners, Section of Pharmacy Educators, and has served on a number of professional committees within ASHP.  Dr. Epplen obtained board certification as an ambulatory care pharmacist in 2011 and serves on the Board of Faith Community Pharmacy.
 
Headshot of Corrine Sams

Corrine Sams

Director of Admissions, Pharmacy Student & Alumni Affairs

135D Kowalewski Hall

513-558-0059

PharmD Admissions: Pre-application meeting/workshops, PharmCAS application review; interview coordination, early alert; matriculation and student on-boarding. 

Student Affairs: Event coordination (orientation, white coat ceremony, open houses, student awards and regontion ceremony). PharmBassadors
Headshot of Corey Bjarnson

Corey Bjarnson

Associate Director, Academic, Pharmacy MS/PhD Education

3005F Medical Sciences Building

513-558-6172

* Communicate with potential applicants in Pharmaceutical Sciences, answering questions, outline procedures, etc. 
* Coordinate with faculty with regards to admissions of students. 
* Assist incoming and continuing students with requirements and expectations of the program. 
* Review and help students throughout the program to ensure they are on track to graduate and complete the program. 
* Advise students, manage student surveys, handle concerns or issues, coordinate with GAPSS leadership for student affairs. 
* Serve as an advocate for students in the College of Pharmacy. 
* Communicate faculty, staff, or leadership needs with the student body. 
* Review degree audits and all necessary paperwork for students. 
* Certify graduates. 
Headshot of Erin Smith

Erin Smith

Program Manager, Pharmacy MS/PhD Education

269 Kowalewski Hall

513-558-7601

• Process admissions for Online graduate students at the UC College of Pharmacy

• Coordinate and facilitate Virtual Meet and Greet sessions at beginning of semester

• Produce semester newsletters for each online program

• Organize student information on Excel to manage admissions letters sent and student confirmations, as well as student progression information

•Respond to student questions regarding course information on Catalyst, lifting registration blocks per faculty permission

• Site manager responsible for creating and updating Pharm Line- Online College of Pharmacy programs