Pharmacy Alumni Celebrated for Their Commitment to Elevating Care & Scientific Inquiry
This past April, two accomplished University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy alumni became the latest inductees in the College’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni for 2018-2019. They were recognized for their professional achievements at 21c Hotel in downtown Lexington on Thursday, April 25, 2019.
The 2019 inductees included Gloria H. Doughty (’51) one of the original founders of the Kentucky Pharmacy Museum and one of only two women in her graduating pharmacy class of 80 students, as well as Kevin S. Harrod (‘94), PhD, professor, and Benjamin Monroe Carraway Endowed chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Medicine.
Doughty has been a mentor to many pharmacy students and has continued to push the profession forward within Kentucky and beyond. She received a BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (’48), a BS in Pharmacy (’51), as well as her Master’s in Social Work (’84). She went on to work at what is now UK HealthCare, impacting patient lives across the Commonwealth, and contributed greatly to the success of the UK College of Pharmacy. Many would be hard-pressed to meet a current pharmacy alumnus who hasn’t had the pleasure of hearing one of Doughty’s stories or being inspired by her generous spirit. Doughty’s passion for pharmacy is palpable, and even in retirement, she is an active member of the Bluegrass Pharmacy Association.
Harrod’s contributions as a scientist are also noteworthy. Not only is he chair of a top-5 nationally ranked department, but he has emerged as an international leader in the respiratory infectious disease field, widely regarded for his work across a spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical research in pulmonary and infectious disease. He is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 100 technical reports, with an impressive track record of extramural research funding during a very competitive period in American science.
Harrod pioneered the development of preclinical models of respiratory disease for drug development and validation now widely used in academic and biopharmaceutical laboratories across the world. He has trained over 30 academic, government, and private industry professionals, faculty, and career scientists. Many of his trainees note his humility and willingness to "give more than he takes.” He encourages creativity and has an infectious enthusiasm for research.
“The UK College of Pharmacy is one of the nation’s leading centers of pharmacy education and research, which is a direct result of our people,” said UK College of Pharmacy dean Kip Guy. “Our alumni have dedicated their lives to improving the communities around them, and I’m continually inspired by their bold innovation and commitment to patient health. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions to their fields.”
To nominate someone for the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni, please download the nomination form here. Nominations are collected year-round and selected once per academic year.
We wish to remember and honor those who inhabited this Commonwealth before the arrival of the Europeans. Briefly occupying these lands were the Osage, Wyndott tribe, and Miami peoples. The Adena and Hopewell peoples, who are recognized by the naming of the time period in which they resided here, were here more permanently. Some of their mounds remain in the Lexington area, including at UK’s Adena Park.
In more recent years, the Cherokee occupied southeast Kentucky, the Yuchi southwest Kentucky, the Chickasaw extreme western Kentucky and the Shawnee central Kentucky including what is now the city of Lexington. The Shawnee left when colonization pushed through the Appalachian Mountains. Lower Shawnee Town ceremonial grounds are still visible in Greenup County.
We honor the first inhabitants who were here, respect their culture, and acknowledge the presence of their descendants who are here today in all walks of life including fellow pharmacists and healthcare professionals.