Alumni

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UK College of Pharmacy Celebrates Lyman T. Johnson Award Winner William Ifeachor (’12)

Karli LeMaster Feb 24, 2021

The Lyman T. Johnson African American Group, in partnership with the University of Kentucky Office for Institutional Diversity, hosted the 30th Annual Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer and Torch of Excellence Awards on Feb. 1 virtually. Each college was asked to nominate alumni who embody the characteristics of determination and hard work and have affected the lives of people on campus, the community, the state, or our nation. The UK College of Pharmacy selected alumna William Ifeachor as the recipient of the 2021 Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award.

Vertner Taylor ('60) says family taught him 'some of my most valuable lessons'

By Jacob Lewis Feb 22, 2021

While Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to attend an all-white school, Vertner Taylor graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, making him the college’s first African American graduate. Taylor’s completion of his Bachelor of Science degree predates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, making his achievements that much more significant.

Fighting for Care in the Commonwealth

By Ja’Nae Clapp Feb 9, 2021

Alum Chris Harlow knows too well how access to high-quality healthcare can save lives. Harlow is the co-founder of St. Matthews Community & Specialty Pharmacy in Louisville, Ky, and a tireless advocate for patients struggling with substance use disorders. When Harlow was in his last year of pharmacy school, he learned of his mother's accidental overdose and passing. “If my dad had access to Narcan, he could have saved my mom’s life.”

woman standing in camo looking at medication bottle

Working for the Greater Good: from Pharmacy School to the Air Force

By Jacob Lewis Nov 11, 2020

The United States has one of the largest militaries in the entire world, with over a million brave individuals putting their lives on the line for the greater good. One of those individuals is Becca Seagraves, a 2019 UKCOP graduate and pharmacist in the Air Force. Seagraves's military career required her to continually adapt as she quickly went from a recent pharmacy grad to being in charge of a team of over 25 people at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Pharmacy.

Distinguished College of Pharmacy Alumni Celebrated for Patient-First Values

By Kristie Colón Sep 28, 2020

The 2020 inductees include Young Alumni Award winners Ashlee Mattingly (‘11) and John Wu (‘10), as well as Lifetime Achievement Award winners William Crouthamel (’70), Patricia Rippetoe Freeman (’87, ’91), Lynn Harrelson (’73), and Donald E. Letendre (’79). These six new inductees were selected by their peers for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and their embodiment of UK College of Pharmacy values.

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Innovating across the globe: a partnership in Japan

By Jacob Lewis Sep 16, 2020

Takako Komiyama. Komiyama graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) in 1987 and revolutionized pharmacy education in Japan. This feat did not come easy; Komiyama's enthusiasm, tenacity, and perseverance were integral to her success.

doug oyler standing in lobby with arms crossed

From Student to Professor - One Alum's Journey

By Jacob Lewis Sep 2, 2020

A graduate of the Class of 2010, Doug Oyler has dedicated his time pushing the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy further and educating future generations of pharmacy students. His journey began with his residency at UK HealthCare, where he later served as a trauma pharmacist, the catalyst for his opioid research. Oyler then developed the hospital's opioid stewardship program in 2016.

Pharmacists Come Together to Ensure the Health of Kentuckians

By Kristie Colón Aug 24, 2020

Pharmacists from the UK College of Pharmacy, Sullivan University's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association (KPhA) recently banded together to create a COVID-19 best practices guide for pharmacists statewide. As pharmacists around Kentucky implement the ever-evolving best practices around the novel coronavirus, they are also referencing these guidelines in their proactive approach in offering COVID-19 testing to patients. Many believe pharmacists will be vital to reopening the USA.

person in glasses writing on clipboard near medication

When Patient Care is at the Heart of It

By Ja’Nae Clapp Aug 19, 2020

Beth Richter is known for her unwavering compassion and patient-centered outlook. A 2002 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, her influence on patient care continues to have a global impact.

Embracing the Tradition of Unscripted Opportunities

by Ja’Nae Clapp Jul 21, 2020

Dennis Bashaw, a 1986 UKCOP graduate, broke the mold and demonstrated just how a professional degree in pharmacy could lead to an unexpected and fulfilling career. Pharmacy is an ever-changing career field, and with these changes, pharmacists are not as bound to traditional roles as they once were.

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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.

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