Christal Keller Spotlight

Christal Keller was born and raised in the 7^th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, a product of the Archdiocesan elementary school system. A graduate of the St. Mary’s Academy class of 1993, she finished in the top 10 of her class.

Following graduation from SMA, and after several major of study changes, Christal went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of New Orleans in General Studies ‘ Health Sciences in 2002. While earning her degree from the University of New Orleans, she began working for Walmart Pharmacy in June of 1998 as a stock associate. The Pharmacy Manager recognized her potential and work ethic and encouraged her to train for a Pharmacy Technician position. After studying and passing the test, Christal became a Licensed Certified Pharmacy Technician in January of 1999, remaining in that position for the next ten years.

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city, forcing Christal to evacuate to Baton Rouge. Fortunately, she was able to continue working as a Pharmacy Technician at one of the Baton Rouge Walmart stores. In 2006, knowing that she was not content to remain a Technician for the rest her career, Christal re-applied to Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy. Because she was deficient in some required science related courses, she was initially denied entrance and hence advised to return once these courses were completed. While still working as a Pharmacy Tech, Christal completed the appropriate study, reapplied for entrance into Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy program and was accepted in 2009.

After three years of rigorous coursework and one year of clinical rotation, this dynamic young woman graduated from Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy with a Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree in May 2013. She sat for her licensure in July 2013 and was triple-state certified (Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) by August of that same year. Christal began working as a Walmart rotational Pharmacist, traveling to different stores in the New Orleans area. In January 2014, she accepted a position as a Staff Pharmacist for Walmart in Kenner. In November 2014, she moved to Slidell and was instrumental in opening a Walmart Neighborhood Pharmacy and promoted to Pharmacy Manager in October 2015.

Carrying through on one of the most important life lessons learned while at St. Mary’s, I strongly agree that perseverance is the key, said Christal who credits the support from family and friends for her ultimate success. Due to my Catholic education, the interaction with numerous mentors at Epiphany Elementary School and St. Mary’s Academy and the support of my family that I know the value of never giving up.