Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy Alumni Spotlight

Xavier University College of Pharmacy equips graduates to become more than just pharmacists. Our alumni are advocates, educators and champions for health equity, working to reduce disparities and prioritize patient-centered care. This alumni spotlight tells one of our graduates’ success stories.

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Dr. Bobby LeDuff

New Orleans native Dr. Bobby LeDuff earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Xavier University of Louisiana in 2016 before going on to graduate from the College of Pharmacy with a Pharm.D. in 2021.

To learn about research methods and participate in hands-on research opportunities as a student, Dr. LeDuff was a research scholar in the Center of Excellence program while attending the College of Pharmacy. His work centered on pharmacy practice and health care professionals’ perception and knowledge of pharmacists’ capabilities.

He was also an active member of several Xavier University pharmacy organizations for students, as well as community events, serving in various leadership roles.

XULA College of Pharmacy Stands Out for Accessible Faculty

College of Pharmacy staff, faculty, and administrators were there for Dr. LeDuff when he needed them. With open-door policies, he was able to approach faculty with questions and receive support. “Faculty are also great about responding to email and meeting virtually,” he explains.

Choosing a Path: XULA College of Pharmacy

When selecting the right College of Pharmacy, you’re looking not only for experiences like small classes, hands-on research opportunities and support through tutoring and career fairs, but also factors like reputation and academic rigor.

Dr. LeDuff shares three reasons he chose Xavier University pharmacy school.

1. Competitive Historically Black College and University (HBCU)+-

Dr. LeDuff’s family’s history with Xavier University, a Catholic HBCU, runs deep—dating back to his great aunt and father’s godmother, who graduated with a degree in education. She received her first teaching assignment at Corpus Christi from St. Katharine Drexel. Since then, several other family members have graduated from XULA. “My heart was set on going to Xavier University from childhood,” Dr. LeDuff says. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in health care. I helped my grandmother with her medications in the morning, and that piqued my interest in drugs and how they worked.”

2. Stellar Reputation+-

Dr. LeDuff was looking for an education that could prepare him to serve his community and graduate ready for leadership and service roles, and he knew that XULA had a reputation for producing excellence. Our pharmacy school is one of the top producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree holders in the United States and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

3. Knowledge + Practical Skills+-

Dr. LeDuff believes that, as medication experts, pharmacists are the industry’s most accessible health care providers. He wanted to build the confidence, expertise and skills that would allow him to work on a team dedicated to bridging the gap between providers and patients.

Learn About Xavier College of Pharmacy

Xavier University is the country’s only Catholic HBCU, built on diversity and inclusion from the very start. It’s a special place to earn your PharmD degree.

Student Life at Xavier University Pharmacy School

“Being a student in the Xavier University College of Pharmacy is an experience like no other,” describes Dr. LeDuff. “For me, there’s a strong sense of community within your cohort as you all go through ‘the struggle’ of Xavier University pharmacy curriculum together.”

Dr. LeDuff says joining the Xavier University pharmacy community as a student makes you part of a “pharmily” that works together and grows together.

It’s never about numbers here — it’s about individuals and relationships. You have the opportunity to connect with not only students but also the pharmacy community, professors, and staff members who can become your mentors, friends, and advisors.

Pharmacy students also get to explore learning and experiences outside the classroom through more than 25 organizations that help you bond with others who share your interests and goals.

Learn more about earning a Doctor of Pharmacy at Xavier.

From Pharmacy School Student to Clinical Staff Pharmacist & Fellow

Today, Dr. LeDuff works as a clinical staff pharmacist for ambulatory care and health equity. He was also a clinical pharmacy education fellow at Xavier University College of Pharmacy.

The Fellowship in Clinical Pharmacy Education is a new postgraduate training program offered to pharmacy professionals who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in clinical academic pharmacy. “The program focuses on how to balance the four areas of academia: teaching, scholarship, service, and collegiality,” he explains.

Dr. LeDuff says that earning a PharmD at Xavier University pharmacy school prepared him for this role in several ways.

He;s equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to work closely with the fellowship program director and coordinators to mold the program as it gears up for future fellows.

After attending the College of Pharmacy, Dr. LeDuff completed a pharmacy residency at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy - Essentia Health with a focus in ambulatory care and chronic disease state management. He was able to share these experiences with future pharmacists through his academia fellowship in clinical pharmacy education.