Graduate Education

Lisa Ohnstad

Doctorate of Pharmacy/ Executive Masters of Business

Education History:

I received my Associate in General Studies from Northern Wyoming Community College and then followed with my B.S. Business Administration with Honor from the University of Wyoming in May 2002.  After a short interim working in Colorado in retail management, I returned to Wyoming and worked as a commercial insurance underwriter, and received my Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation in 2006.  

Research Project:

Currently, I am the first student at the University of Wyoming pursuing a dual education in the Doctorate of Pharmacy and Executive Master of Business.   My goal is to build a bridge of communication within the profession of pharmacy so that others will pursue both degrees, and provide better health care to our state and nation.   In addition, I continue to serve my state and country through the Wyoming Air National Guard.  With support from the Tillman Foundation, I will pursue the initiation of a peer-to-peer mentoring program for veterans returning to school. 

 Why I chose UW for graduate education:

I received my bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming and considered several options when returning to school.  The University of Wyoming provided the smallest class size and the closest contact with professors.  In addition, the University was supportive of military veterans and students serving in the Wyoming National Guard, and non-traditional students returning to school.   The University of Wyoming has been a great fit, which has allowed me to pursue my education while being a wife, mother, and Airman.

 Current position and future goals:

Currently, I wear many hats that I must interchange at a moment’s notice.  I am a mother, a soldier’s wife, an airman, a pharmacy student, a business student, and an employee in the student computer support.   This fall, I am in my second year of both the Pharmacy program and the Executive Masters of Business program.   In addition, I serve as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the  187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Wyoming Air National Guard.   This past spring I had the honor of being selected as a Tillman Military Scholar.    I would like to be able to combine all of the strengths, and knowledge gained from each program, to provide better medical care in Wyoming and around the world after graduation. 

Advice for potential future students considering UW:

The best feature of attending the University of Wyoming is the small class size, and the ease of access to professors when one has questions.  Upon acceptance into a degree or program, the professors and graduate programs want you to succeed and encourage you to pursue your dreams.   The school also provides specialized support to help veterans and those still serving to reach their educational goals.   Do not be afraid from day one to ask your instructors questions and advice on the material that is being covered.  Also, invest in a parka and snow boots that you love, not just a cheap one to get you by.

Lisa Ohnstad

Lisa Ohnstad, University of Wyoming graduate pharmacy student
"The University of Wyoming provided the smallest class size and the closest contact with professors. In addition, the University was supportive of military veterans and students serving in the Wyoming National Guard, and non-traditional students returning to school."
Contact Us

School of Graduate Education

Knight Hall 250

Phone: (307) 766-6478

Email: GradEd@uwyo.edu

Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)