From Rural Roots to Valedictorian: A Determined Beginning
Raised in the rural town of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, Natasha Edmondson, PharmD, MPA, BCGP ‘00, grew up in an environment where college was not the expected path. Early discouragement only fueled her drive. By high school, she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian and earning multiple scholarships. She chose North Carolina Central University (NCCU), despite pressure to pursue larger, more nationally recognized institutions.
“When I stepped on the campus of North Carolina Central University, it just felt like home,” she recalled. “There weren’t any pretenses—just family and support.”
At NCCU, Edmondson immersed herself in academics and service. As a Teaching Fellows Scholar, she majored in chemistry and education, with a minor in Spanish. Beyond the classroom, the university’s volunteerism requirement made a lasting impact, instilling in her a passion for giving back—a value that would shape both her career and personal life.
Building a Career in Science, Education, and Pharmacy
Edmondson began her career teaching high school chemistry and biology teacher in Charlotte, inspiring students from underserved communities. A classroom project on pharmacy careers sparked her own curiosity, ultimately leading her to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy at Howard University.
Her career has been wide-ranging, with roles in retail pharmacy, medical groups and veterans’ health systems. Currently, she serves as a clinical pharmacist practitioner at the Durham VA Healthcare System in Greenville, North Carolina, where she specializes in geriatrics and chronic disease management, including hypertension, diabetes and heart failure.
“When I’m taking care of a veteran, I think about my father and the kind of care I would want for him. I give them everything that I can,” Edmondson said.
Her compassion, combined with clinical expertise, has made her a trusted voice in both patient care and healthcare leadership.
Leading with Purpose: Mentorship, Policy, and Partnerships
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Edmondson has taken on leadership roles that expand opportunities for others. She has served as a preceptor and adjunct faculty member at institutions, including Howard University, Texas Tech University and Virginia Commonwealth University, mentoring dozens of pharmacy students and residents.
She also made a national impact during her appointment as a diversity program policy strategist with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, where she advised on executive orders advancing fairness, opportunity and accessibility across federal agencies.
One of her most meaningful achievements is establishing a partnership between Howard University College of Pharmacy and the Greenville VA, creating clinical training opportunities for pharmacy students at HBCUs, which were previously unavailable at the site. Her persistence paid off after four years of planning.
“I really am proud of the program,” she said. “I want to expand it so more HBCUs can be a part of it.”
Recognition and Professional Excellence
Edmondson’s dedication has not gone unnoticed.
She is the recipient of multiple honors, including the 2023 Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award from the African American Federal Executive Association, recognizing her commitment to mentorship and service. She has also been honored with several VA Patient WOW Awards, celebrating excellence in patient-centered care from veterans.
Her scholarly work continues to grow as well. In 2025, she presented a research abstract and poster at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting, highlighting pharmacist-led health efforts to close gaps in health outcomes.
Resilience Through Personal Loss and Lifelong Learning
Edmondson’s journey has also been shaped by personal trials. Following the passing of her father in 2019 and her sister in 2021, she turned grief into motivation, completing her Master of Public Administration degree at UNC Pembroke in 2024 in their honor.
As a lifelong learner, she believes education is a two-way exchange.
“You’re never too old to learn something new,” she said. “I expect to learn from my students, just as they learn from me”.
Staying Connected to the Nest and Inspiring Future Eagles
Despite her busy professional life, Edmondson remains connected to her NCCU roots. She actively participates in alumni groups and encourages others to give back.
“In order to continue to see great things about and from NCCU, I need to be giving to my school,” she explained.
Her advice for today's Eagles is simple but powerful: pursue what matters to you.
“Do the things that you’re doing because you really and truly want to do them.”