102 new graduates join Pharmacy alumni ranks Class of 2026 includes PharmD, PhD, and MS recipients

The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy celebrated its class of 2026 at the annual Commencement Ceremony on May 8, conferring degrees upon 102 graduates in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and dual degree masters programs.

Interim Dean Craig Martin, PharmD, MBA, presided over the ceremony, welcoming graduates into a profession and an institution with more than 155 years of tradition. In remarks to the graduating class, Martin urged them to carry forward the College’s legacy of innovation, collaboration, and service.

“You are now part of a community of people who work tirelessly to improve patient care and save lives every day,” Martin said. “I challenge you to continue the proud tradition of excellence for which the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is known.”

A Class of Distinction

The ceremony recognized 92 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates, 8 Doctor of Philosophy recipients in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and 2 Master of Science recipients in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Academic honors were a hallmark of the PharmD Class of 2026, with more than half of graduates earning distinction: 

• Summa Cum Laude (highest honors): 28 graduates 
• Magna Cum Laude (high honors): 10 graduates 
• Cum Laude (honors): 14 graduates

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern pharmacy practice, a significant number of PharmD graduates simultaneously earned advanced degrees in other fields, including 11 who completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA), two who earned a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, one who earned a Master of Public Health (MPH), and one who earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

PhD Research Highlights

The College’s eight PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences graduates completed dissertations spanning from opioid neuroscience and medicinal chemistry to immunology, nanoparticle engineering and natural products drug discovery. Their research represents significant contributions to some of the most pressing challenges in health care today.

Class of 2026 by the Numbers

A graduate survey conducted revealed a class that is highly satisfied, career-ready and deeply committed to serving their communities. 

• Nearly half (49%) of respondents are entering residency programs immediately upon graduation, reflecting the class’s commitment to advanced clinical training. 

• Through phases 1 and 2 of the ASHP residency match process, the graduating class’s overall match rate is 87.7% (50/57).  

• An additional 32% are employed at graduation, meaning more than 80% of the class has secured a professional position or training opportunity upon completing their degree. 

• The largest employment sector is inpatient health system pharmacy, with graduates heading to hospitals and health systems across the region.

Student Satisfaction 

• KSHP Anne Policastri Student Leadership Award — Emma Harper — for a graduating professional student pursuing a career in health-system pharmacy who has demonstrated dedication to professional organizations. 

• KPhA Outstanding Graduating Person of the Year — Elizabeth Ghory — for the outstanding graduate from the College, as chosen by classmates and based on scholarship and contribution to the profession. 

Faculty and Preceptor Honors

The ceremony also recognized outstanding members of the College community. Katie Wallace, PharmD, an infectious diseases clinical pharmacist and residency program director at UK Healthcare, was named Preceptor of the Year. Wallace has mentored more than 40 pharmacy students and 20 residents since joining UK Healthcare and has been instrumental in growing the infectious diseases pharmacy residency program. 

Faculty awards were presented to: 

• Gavin Howington, PharmD — Outstanding Professor, Pharmacy Practice & Science 

• Penni Black, PhD — Outstanding Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences 

• Kristen McLaurin, PhD — Graduate Mentor of the Year 

"The College of Pharmacy pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated when I walked in as a first-year student," said Elizabeth Ghory, PharmD, KPhA Outstanding Graduating Person of the Year. "I leave with a degree and the confidence and drive to provide excellent patient care and make a real difference in my community. I'm incredibly proud to be a UK graduate."

To view photos from the event, click here. To view the recorded streaming, click here.