College of Pharmacy Announces New Philanthropy Director Jessica Rukavina
LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 12, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) announces the promotion of Jessica Rukavina to director of philanthropy. Previously the assistant director of philanthropy for the College, Rukavina brings extensive experience and a successful track record of fundraising success to her new role.
Rukavina's unwavering dedication to higher education, driven by her passion for increasing accessibility through philanthropy, has led to her expanded responsibilities. She expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, "I am deeply grateful for the impact higher education has had on my life and career. My new role will allow me to exercise my commitment to expanding access through philanthropy."
The University of Kentucky recently celebrated the successful conclusion of Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign, surpassing its impressive $2.1 billion goal. As the College transitions beyond this milestone campaign, it strongly emphasizes the sustainability of scholarship and professorship funds, which are central to its philanthropic mission.
Throughout her tenure at the University of Kentucky, Rukavina has achieved significant milestones, including the transformation of the College of Pharmacy's stewardship program, the effective management and advancement of philanthropic operations, and, previously, the successful re-engagement of affinity groups within the Rosenberg College of Law.
With degrees in psychology and counseling psychology from the University of Kentucky, and over a decade in higher education roles spanning scholarship support, enrollment management, and alumni engagement, Rukavina is poised to lead UKCOP's philanthropic efforts to new heights.
"Our growing College will benefit greatly from Jessica's leadership,” said Dean Kip Guy. “Her unique experiences, passion for philanthropy and relationship-building, and deep knowledge of the University of Kentucky will undoubtedly strengthen the College of Pharmacy community."
Rukavina's appointment as Director of Philanthropy signifies a significant milestone in the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy's ongoing mission to recruit exceptional students and employees, foster accessibility, and engage with the community through philanthropy. The College eagerly anticipates a future marked by sustained growth and philanthropic success under her guidance. To begin her tenure in her new role, Rukavina will reimagine the donor experience offered to friends of the College and find creative opportunities for stakeholders to collaborate to further their impact.
Rukavina, who assumed her new role on February 1, 2024, shared her excitement, stating, "I am genuinely thrilled to continue this important work in my expanded role at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, where students can receive a world-class education that positively impacts their lives, their families, and their communities."
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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.