Cain receives Chalmers Distinguished Pharmacy Educator Award
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 11, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) proudly announces the selection of Jeff Cain, Ed.D., MS, professor and vice chair of pharmacy practice and science, as the 2026 recipient of the Robert K. Chalmers Distinguished Pharmacy Educator Award, a prestigious national honor bestowed by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The award recognizes Cain’s exceptional contributions and dedication to pharmacy education.
Cain becomes the second UKCOP faculty member to receive the honor in recent years, following Frank Romanelli, Pharm.D., who received the award in 2024. Cain serves as a professor and vice chair in the Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, and as director of the Office of Teaching Innovation & Scholarship. In the classroom, he directs and teaches in the Pharmacy Operations and Financial Management course and lectures throughout the curriculum on various behavioral sciences topics. He also directs the UK-ASHP Teaching Certificate Program, leads the college’s Academia Fellowship program, and mentors pharmacy students and residents interested in academic careers.
“I am deeply honored by this award but also realize that it’s less about me and more about the vast number of people who have played a role in my life. Throughout my career at UK, I’ve been surrounded by faculty who have modeled academic excellence. I’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing colleagues throughout the academy and AACP. That has made it easy to come to work each day and play my part in advancing pharmacy education.”
Cain is widely recognized for his scholarship in the social and behavioral sciences, with over 250 publications and national presentations focused on digital media, artificial intelligence and innovative teaching practices in pharmacy education. His work has helped shape national conversations about how educators prepare pharmacy students for the evolving health care landscape. In 2026, Cain was named among the world’s top 2% most-cited researchers for the third consecutive year, recognizing the influence of his scholarly contributions.
Throughout his career, Cain has received numerous honors for teaching excellence and leadership in pharmacy education. He completed the AACP Academic Leadership Fellowship in 2013 and was named an AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholar in 2017. In 2021, he received the University of Kentucky Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching. He has also won multiple UKCOP graduating class faculty of the year awards and is a three-time recipient of the Michael J. Lach Faculty Award for Innovative Teaching. Cain also serves on the AACP Board of Directors and is currently the Council of Faculties Chair.
“Dr. Cain exemplifies the creativity and mentorship that define excellence in pharmacy education,” said Craig Martin, Pharm.D., MBA, interim dean. “His commitment to advancing innovative teaching and supporting the professional growth of students and faculty has had a tremendous impact within our college and across the academy. We are proud to see his contributions recognized with this national award.”
The Chalmers Award is named for the late Robert K. Chalmers, former AACP president and distinguished educator and recognizes excellence in pharmacy education. Recipients are selected for their contributions to teaching, scholarship and service, as well as their lasting impact on pharmacy education beyond their home institution.
Cain will receive the award during the AACP Annual Meeting in July 2026 in Grapevine, Texas.