The Florida Pharmacy Association, or FPA, has selected Jessica Huston, Pharm.D., a clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, as the recipient of the 2026 Pharmacists Mutual Companies Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award.
Established in 1987, the award is presented annually to early-career pharmacists who have demonstrated leadership, professional involvement and service to their communities. Huston will receive the award during the FPA’s 136th Annual Meeting & Convention, July 16-18, in Orlando.
Since joining the UF College of Pharmacy as a full-time faculty member in 2020, Huston has distinguished herself as an educator, mentor and leader. She has led a skills lab cohort each year, taught active-learning sessions and earned the college’s Exemplary Teaching Award in 2024 and 2026. She also created a research portal that connects pharmacy students with research opportunities throughout UF Health and beyond.
In 2025, Huston led an initiative that secured $378,000 in funding from Daiichi Sankyo to establish the Clinical Research in Community Oncology Fellowship — the first fellowship program at the college’s Jacksonville campus. She regularly mentors students and graduates as they navigate fellowships, career transitions and professional development opportunities.
Beyond UF, Huston has been instrumental in the growth of the Duval County Pharmacists Association. She most recently served as board chair and previously held the positions of president, vice president, historian and public relations chair for the organization. Under her leadership, the organization has revitalized its social media platforms, increased student involvement in the FPA, expanded continuing education programming and hosted networking and community service events.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award, as it reflects the mentorship, collaboration and community that have supported me so far in my career,” Huston said. “I am passionate about preparing and supporting the next generation of pharmacists — through developing new training opportunities, expanding student and research engagement and supporting the growth of future pharmacists. This award inspires me to continue to collaborate with our pharmacy communities and the people who make it so impactful.”
Huston joined the FPA in 2023 and currently serves on the House of Delegates Board of Directors and is a member of the Educational Affairs Council. She previously served on the Student Affairs Council. In 2023, she received the organization’s Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional mentorship and a commitment to educating pharmacy students.