A University of Mississippi graduate has been named the 2018 Joseph Sam Distinguished Alumnus Award honoree.

Randall Clark, who graduated from Ole Miss in 1973 with a doctoral degree in medicinal chemistry, is this year’s recipient.

“It is truly an honor to be selected for this award,” Clark said in a recent news release. “Just receiving consideration for an award of this magnitude is a significant achievement.

Clark earned degrees in biology and chemistry from Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga before he completed his education at Ole Miss.

Clark has taught at Auburn University for 45 years, where he is a profession of medicinal chemistry.

“It’s a great privilege for our department to be able to recognize our alumni leaders in pharmaceutical sciences with the Joe Sam Distinguished Alumnus Endowment,” said Kristie Willett, chair of the Department of BioMolecular Sciences. “Having Dr. Clark back on campus provides our students and current faculty with a unique opportunity to expand their professional network and learn about cutting-edge research in medicinal chemistry.”

Clark’s research interest lies in forensic drug chemistry where he has received more than $2.5 million in research funding in the past decade. Clark has co-authored more than 250 scientific publications.

“Dr. Clark is most deserving of this award,” John Rimoldi, professor of medicinal chemistry and environmental toxicology at the UM School of Pharmacy, said. “He has built a distinguished career at Auburn University and is a leading authority in forensic drug chemistry and analysis. His commitment to student mentoring and graduate education in medicinal chemistry is remarkable and inspiring.”

Clark will deliver the Joseph Sam Distinguished Alumnus lecture at 11 a.m. on Aug. 17 in Room 2066 of the Thad Cochran Research Center.