Dr. Rob Nelson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

This scholarship is given in honor and memory of Dr. Robert Nelson, BCPS, who graduated from NDSU with a PharmD in 1997. He was an Assistant Professor in the School of Pharmacy from 1998-2011 and was twice named Teacher of the Year by students. Additionally, he worked as a clinical Pharmacy Manager at Sanford Health from 2004-2011 and was in charge of their residency program. He always sought innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and the practice of pharmacy, but he will be most remembered by the many students, residents and colleagues he mentored, encouraged and supported.

After his tenure as a Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Assistant Professor, Rob joined ViroPharma Inc. as a Regional Medical Scientist. After two years at ViroPharma Inc., he took his professional expertise to Amgen, beginning as a Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) on the nephrology team, working his way up to MSL Field Director on the Neuroscience team and then joining the medical affairs team as a Medical Director. During his tenure at Amgen he played a key role in educating HCPs, medical and strategic planning, and evidence generation.

Rob was instrumental in building an MSL team that helped to successfully launch Aimovig, a novel migraine preventative. Rob was passionate about education and teaching and mentored those that he managed and worked side by side with. Most of all he was a beloved colleague by all who had the privilege to work with him.

Rob was so grateful for the scholarships he received to help him complete his education and worked hard to pay for college on his own. To keep his memory alive, we want to lift up the next generation of pioneers in pharmacy so they can reach for their dreams and goals and improve the lives of others.