Lai Ara Powell, MA

Mrs. Lai Ara Powell, MA is a higher education recruitment and enrollment leader with more than a decade of experience helping students navigate their academic and professional journeys. As the Associate Director of Recruitment for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Temple University School of Pharmacy, she leads strategic recruitment initiatives designed to connect prospective students with opportunities in pharmacy and the health sciences. Her work encompasses admissions, student engagement, partnership development, articulation agreements, and outreach programs that inspire middle school, high school, and college students to pursue careers in healthcare.

Driven by a passion for educational access and student success, Mrs. Powell has built a career centered on expanding opportunities for underrepresented and aspiring students. She oversees innovative initiatives such as virtual pre-pharmacy clubs, open house events, and community-based engagement programs that provide hands-on exposure to health science careers. Prior to her current leadership role, she served in admissions, enrollment management, and student services positions at several higher education institutions, developing expertise in recruitment strategy, event planning, enrollment operations, and student advising. Alongside her work in higher education, she also brings experience as a freelance recruiter, strengthening her ability to identify talent and build meaningful professional relationships.

Mrs. Powell earned a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Southeast Missouri State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administration at Temple University College of Education and Human Development, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and educational leadership. An active volunteer and advocate for college access, she has served with professional organizations including the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) affiliates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where she has championed initiatives focused on inclusion, access, and student success. Through her work, Mrs. Powell continues to empower the next generation by fostering confidence, expanding educational pathways, and creating meaningful opportunities for future healthcare professionals.