Get To Know Your Student Council Officers
At the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, the Student Council serves as a vital connection point between students, organizations, and college leadership, helping ensure that student voices are heard and represented throughout the PharmD program.
Comprised of student organization presidents and peer-elected class representatives, the Student Council acts as a communication link between the student body and college administration while also coordinating activities and initiatives across more than 28 student organizations. Through this structure, the council helps streamline communication, reduce scheduling conflicts, and support events and programming that benefit pharmacy students across both the Tucson and Phoenix campuses.
In a program that spans multiple locations, Student Council also plays an important role in maintaining connections between campuses, ensuring that students in both Tucson and Phoenix remain engaged and informed. By facilitating communication and collaboration across locations, the council helps create a more unified student experience.
Leading the 2025-2026 Student Council are President Alison Robinson, alongside Vice President in Tucson Alex McDaniel, Vice President in Phoenix Sajad Al-Zubaidy, Secretary Lauren Thompson, and Treasurer Reagan Blanchard.
“As President, I host our monthly Student Council meetings, help coordinate activities such as P1 orientation and the Student Council retreat, and serve as a point of contact for all things Student Council related,” Robinson said. In her role, Robinson works closely with both students and administration to represent student perspectives and guide council initiatives. With more than 25 student-led organizations across the college, the Student Council helps provide continuity and communication across the student body. “Our meetings allow us to share updates from the Office of Student Services and other leadership while making sure important information reaches the entire student body,” shared Robinson.
Serving as Vice President in Tucson, McDaniel focuses on supporting student organizations and facilitating communication within the Tucson campus. “I help communicate weekly updates about student organization events and support the rest of the board with ongoing initiatives,” McDaniel said. “Student Council is essentially the bridge between students and administration, and we aim to support students academically, socially, and professionally in any way we can.”
Vice President in Phoenix, Al-Zubaidy plays a similar role, helping ensure that Phoenix-based students remain connected and represented within the broader college community. “We advocate for student needs, gather feedback, and work to improve the academic and professional experience while helping create a collaborative and inclusive environment across both campuses,” shared Al-Zubaidy.
As secretary, Thompson helps manage communication and documentation within the council, supporting organization and continuity across meetings and initiatives. “Student Council acts as a liaison between the student body and College of Pharmacy administration,” Thompson said.
Blanchard, serving as treasurer, oversees funding and resource allocation, helping student organizations successfully plan and execute events. “I manage the financial aspects of Student Council, coordinate with the Office of Finance for distribution of professional development vouchers, and help organize the annual Student Council fundraiser,” said Blanchard.
Together, the Student Council officers work collaboratively to support student organizations, plan initiatives, and ensure that student needs are communicated effectively to college leadership. Beyond its structural role, the council plays an active part in shaping the student experience. From supporting events and student organization initiatives to fostering leadership development, the council helps create opportunities for students to get involved and build connections within the college.
“One of the most meaningful experiences has been welcoming first-year students during Orientation,” shared Al-Zubaidy. “Being able to share guidance and help set the tone for their pharmacy journey was incredibly impactful.”
For many students, involvement in Student Council provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact on their peers. These experiences not only strengthen the College of Pharmacy community, but also help prepare students for future roles as healthcare professionals and leaders in the field.
“Student Council builds a bridge between college leadership and the students,” expressed Robinson. “It helps break down barriers in communication while also maintaining a strong sense of community within the student body.”
As the College of Pharmacy continues to grow and evolve, the Student Council remains an essential part of student life, ensuring that student voices are heard and that opportunities for involvement, leadership, and collaboration continue to expand.
McDaniel encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities available within the college community. “Getting involved in the college has completely shaped my pharmacy school experience and pushed me to grow into the best version of myself,” McDaniel said. “Stepping outside your comfort zone is beyond worth it.”
Robinson also encourages students to take the initiative to become involved in campus organizations and leadership opportunities. “You have to step out of your shell and put yourself out there,” emphasized Robinson. “Getting involved can help you discover new interests, build connections, and grow both personally and professionally.”