CLINT LEDFORD
Ingles, Pharmacy Manager
Mercer University, PharmD ‘06
Hayesville, NC
Clint Ledford grew up in Young Harris, Georgia, a small town in Towns County. He graduated from high school on the same campus where he attended elementary and middle school. When it was time to decide on a next-steps after high school, Clint’s family was supportive of his decision to study business. “My family has always been encouraging of everything I do and have always pushed me to be my best. They taught me that it’s OK to fail sometimes but giving up or not trying your best is not an option.”
Clint decided to attend Truett-McConnell College and with the help of the HOPE scholarship, it allowed him to be debt free when he transferred to Mercer University. “Without the HOPE scholarship, I would have no doubt had to focus on trying to attend a state funded institute since both schools are private colleges. Having received the HOPE, it provided me the flexibility I needed to choose a school of my choice.”
While at Truett-McConnell, Clint decided to pursue a career in pharmacy. His uncle, Martin Grizzard, also a pharmacist was a huge influence in this decision. “My uncle loved his job. You could see how much he cared about his community and that everyone in the community loved and cared for him too. I have always enjoyed helping people and getting to know people and their family so I decided that pharmacy would be a perfect fit. He taught me how rewarding it can be to help others and what a joy it can be to serve the community you grew up in. And, my parents stressed to me the importance of hard work.”
Upon graduating from Mercer University, Clint was able to come back to his hometown and start working. He would encourage college students today to not take opportunities for granted. “Do all you desire while you are young and energetic. Use your talents and gifts to serve others and you will be blessed beyond measure.”
Clint and his wife, Dr. Julie Patterson Ledford DDS, and their two sons reside in Hayesville, N.C.