Dr. Player's new role is the embodiment of Xavierite eXcellence. His position will allow him to continue promoting a more just and human society as he works towards ensuring the representation of traditionally underrepresented groups. Dr. Steven Player received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University College of Pharmacy (XUCOP) in 1998. He serves as an adjunct faculty at Xavier University of Louisiana in the College of Pharmacy as well as the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, proving himself to be a well-rounded and knowledgeable leader.

Dr. Player is passionate about inspiring the next generation of health care providers. He created the Barnes-Jewish Hospital-Xavier University College of Pharmacy pipeline initiative, which focuses on workforce diversity within healthcare. 

“We’ve been working with Dr. Player since 2005 on this health care initiative to diversify the workforce of pharmacists.  We established a collaborative agreement that allows Xavier students to spend 15 weeks at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for clinical experiential training which includes leadership development and post-graduate training readiness. It has been a very successful partnership.  I thank Dr. Player for his innovative thinking in establishing this highly competitive program.  We have four students studying there now,” said Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Player also co-founded the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Express Scripts and St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s (BESt) Pharmacy Summer Institute, which prepares multicultural high school students for future careers in health care, with a focus in pharmacy. 

“His program [in St. Louis] targets African American students with an interest in pre-pharmacy. He's had several students who've gone through his program there and then have come here to pursue pharmacy at Xavier,” said Dr. Kennedy.

Read the full article on Dr. Player here.