College of Pharmacy faculty elected to consecutive presidential terms with state association
LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 15, 2025) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) continues its legacy of leadership in Kentucky's pharmacy community as two faculty members have been elected to consecutive terms as president of the Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists (KSHP).
Gavin Howington, PharmD, BCCCP, BCEMP, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science and emergency medicine clinical pharmacy specialist at UK HealthCare, is currently serving as KSHP president through fall 2026. Stacy Taylor, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, professor and director of practice advancement partnerships, has been elected to serve as president from fall 2026 through fall 2027. They succeed UKCOP alumna Rachel Swope, PharmD.
"Having two faculty members elected to consecutive presidential terms with KSHP is a testament to their exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession," said Craig Martin, PharmD, MBA, acting dean. "Their work strengthens our college and the healthcare community across Kentucky."
Howington, who earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from UK in 2014, joined the faculty in 2019. Board-certified in critical care and emergency medicine, he specializes in emergency medicine with research interests including rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, alternative pain management strategies and neonatal sepsis management.
"KSHP has been one of the most important vehicles for professional connections in my own life," Howington said. "It has strengthened existing relationships, created new ones and helped me become a better pharmacist, colleague and advocate."
During his presidential term, Howington has focused on enhancing member engagement, advancing KSHP's legislative priorities and strengthening professional connections throughout Kentucky's pharmacy community.
Taylor brings extensive experience in health-system pharmacy to her upcoming presidential role, having served in various clinical and leadership positions at private and academic medical centers. As director of practice advancement partnerships at UKCOP, she collaborates with hospitals and pharmacies across Kentucky to develop and advance pharmacy postgraduate residency programs. She also teaches wellness and health promotion courses and coordinates health-systems components of the college's experiential education program.
"Our college has a proud tradition of leadership within KSHP, and I'm honored to continue that legacy," Taylor said. "Serving as president allows me to further our shared commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and improving the health of Kentuckians."
At the most recent KSHP meeting, several UKCOP alumni were celebrated for their achievements during the awards ceremony, including Abby Bailey, PharmD '11, mentor of the year; CJ Sadler, PharmD '24, PGY1 resident of the year; Emalee Haynes, PharmD '23, PGY2 resident of the year; Kourtney Shewmaker, PharmD '09, pharmacist of the year; and Maggie English, PharmD, new practitioner of the year.
The Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists works on behalf of pharmacists who practice in hospitals and health systems throughout Kentucky. Since 1960, KSHP has been at the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety through advocacy, publications and educational offerings designed to advance pharmacy practice and patient care.