Alivia Hudgins: A Familiar Face Joins the Pharmacy Counter

McKENZIE — After four years of intensive study and clinical training across West Tennessee, McKenzie native Alivia Hudgins is bringing her new expertise back to her hometown.

A 2019 McKenzie High School graduate, Hudgins earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Union University on May 2. She began an internship with Walgreens in early 2026, and she is now only one exam away from being a full-time, licensed pharmacist for the chain.

Growing up, Hudgins knew she wanted to work in the medical field.

“Throughout my life, my dad was always pushing me to be a doctor,” Hudgins said. “And I knew I wanted a lifelong career.”

Along the way, Hudgins realized she felt most drawn to pharmacy.

“I just feel like it plays such a big role that people don’t understand,” Hudgins said. She acknowledged the vast duties pharmacists are responsible for in community pharmacies and hospitals — from recognizing the potential risk factors of specific prescriptions to verifying medication orders and making IV bags for patients.

Hudgins obtained a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Health from Bethel University in 2022, paving the way for her to later attend Union University’s pharmacy school.

While at Union University, Hudgins spent about a year and a half training in different pharmacy environments. Each month, she would train in a different place — from the pharmacy at Jackson General Hospital to smaller pharmacies in Martin or Alamo.

Hudgins recognized her husband, Andrew Hudgins, her parents, Adrian and Regina Green, and her brother, Logan Green, for their unending support while she was in school. She also recognized her mentor, Dr. Andrew Martin.

At Union University, Hudgins received the Douglas R. Duncan Community Practice Award and the Lee & Martha Brewer Scholarship. She also served as class president all four years of school. She is a member of the Tennessee Pharmacist Association, the American Pharmacist Association and the National Community Pharmacist Association.

Upon receiving her PharmD, Hudgins acknowledged she could have practiced anywhere, but she ultimately decided to come back home.

Hudgins passed the NAPLEX exam in May of this year. Now, she’s facing the MPJE — the final exam before becoming a licensed pharmacist.

Once she obtains her license, Hudgins expects to serve the McKenzie and Paris communities at Walgreens.