Former Arkansas Senator Named UM Pharmacy Alumnus of the Year
State senator, state representative, pharmacist and
The former
Originally from the small
"I came from a meager background," Malone said. "My mother told me, 'The way out of poverty is through education.'"
As a sixth-grader, Malone began working as a soda jerk in his local pharmacy,
"I had people tell me that I would never get into
Malone recalls that he was not prepared for college, but that his professors at
"It wasn't easy, but I had a lot of people helping me, and I credit that for being able to get a good education," Malone said. "I'm not a self-made man."
After graduating, Malone found himself in
"I worked very hard for many years to say yes to patients who needed me," Malone said. "If they called me on
From there, Malone went on to become one of the state's top pharmacy innovators. He founded
He had one of the first pharmacy computer systems in
As a pharmacist and businessperson, he focused on finding ways to be more efficient and patient-oriented. Malone's concern for the consumer stemmed from the understanding his background had given him of not being able to afford medicine.
In an effort to do more for patients, he ran for state government, and in 1995, began his first of three terms as an
"As a representative, Percy worked to bring generic drugs into
As one of the only people in the
Besides health care advocacy, Malone stumbled upon what would become his other focus while in the Legislature. On his first day as a state representative, Malone read a news article he couldn't forget about an abused and neglected child. From then on, he made it his mission to introduce at least one measure per legislative session aimed at protecting children.
Along with his wife, he helped expand the
He spent 18 years in the Legislature, eventually becoming a senator for five terms, befriending then-future President
"Being in the Legislature, I was able to speak the words of the people who couldn't speak for themselves," Malone said. "There are a lot of people that deserve a hand up and not a handout."
Malone's generous spirit and care for those in need is well-known throughout the state.
"He pretty much goes by the name Percy, and everyone knows who you're talking about," Huerkamp said. "He has done so much for the profession of pharmacy and so much to serve those around him, giving to those who need help or a little encouragement."
Another
"Percy values more than anything doing what is right instead of doing what is convenient," Lyles said. "He has given back to broken communities that have suffered from generational poverty, domestic violence and limited access to health care through his businesses, philanthropic efforts and legislative work."
Malone credits his
"
Malone will be honored Saturday (
"
"He earned his influence by being a champion for vulnerable and forgotten people and has continued to use his time and resources for their benefit."
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