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Being named the 2018 class valedictorian at Dallas County High School eventually led to a pharmacy career for Dr. Nia Brooks.

Brooks earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy on April 27. Brooks also completed her undergraduate degree at Samford.

The next steps for Brooks are taking state boards to become a licensed pharmacist and starting her job at Publix pharmacy in the Birmingham area. 

Brooks said Dallas County High laid the foundation to set the tone and establish a career path. 

“Dallas County provided me with a strong foundation of skills that have proven invaluable in higher education,” Brooks said. “In addition, my amazing high school teachers/coaches fostered a sense of self-discipline and time management, which has helped me succeed in college. Furthermore, the extracurricular activities I participated in allowed me to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that are crucial not only in academic settings but also in professional environments.”

Brooks explained why she pursued a pharmacy career.

“I chose to pursue a career in pharmacy because I am passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives,” Brooks said. “Pharmacists play a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare services to the community. What also intrigued me about the field of pharmacy is the diverse range of career opportunities it offers.”