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College Connections
An electronic newsletter from the College of Pharmacy
October 14, 2025
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As the crisp autumn air settles over Nebraska, it brings with it a renewed sense of energy and purpose across the UNMC College of Pharmacy. This fall has been especially vibrant, filled with exciting milestones, meaningful connections, and forward momentum that reflect the strength and spirit of our college.
Welcoming the Class of 2029
We were thrilled to welcome the Class of 2029 to both our Omaha and Kearney campuses during the White Coat Ceremony in August. These remarkable students represent a diverse and talented group, hailing from across Nebraska, the U.S., and even internationally. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the profession of pharmacy are inspiring, and we look forward to supporting their journey as they grow into compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.
Celebrating Alumni Weekend
September brought the joy of reconnecting with alumni during our annual Alumni Reunion Weekend. It was a true pleasure to meet with graduates from across the decades, including the distinguished Class of 1975, who were inducted into the Half Century Club. The weekend was filled with campus tours, engaging presentations, and heartfelt conversations that reminded us of the enduring impact our alumni have on the profession and their communities.
Enrollment Growth and Academic Excellence
UNMC’s enrollment has risen for the 25th consecutive year, with the College of Pharmacy contributing to this growth. This continued expansion reflects our commitment to meeting Nebraska’s healthcare workforce needs and providing top-tier education to future pharmacists.
Looking Ahead
As we move deeper into the semester, we remain focused on advancing our mission through education, research, and service. Whether through groundbreaking drug discovery, community engagement, or interprofessional collaboration, the College of Pharmacy continues to be a leader in shaping the future of healthcare.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a healthier Nebraska—and a healthier world.
Warm regards,
Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA
Interim Dean
UNMC College of Pharmacy
| | | College Welcomes the Class of 2029 | | |
The UNMC College of Pharmacy held its annual White Coat Ceremony on August 22 at the Michael F. Sorrell Center. Sixty-five incoming students took the pledge of professionalism and received a professional white laboratory coat, made possible through generous contributions to the College’s Innovations Fund. Nine students participating also make up the College's first cohort of UNMC Kearney campus students.
Interim Dean Don Klepser, PhD, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to the Class of 2029. The keynote address, titled What I Wish I Knew in Your Seat, was delivered by Morgan Pritchard, PharmD, an Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at Faith Regional Health Services. Her insights offered inspiration and guidance for the journey ahead. Dr. Pritchard is a 2022 graduate of the College and earlier this year received the 2025 UNMC College of Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year Award.
P4 class president Daniel Kresock shared his personal experiences and advice in his address, Reflections from a P4, encouraging the new students to embrace the challenges and growth that lie ahead.
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Megan Abbott, Omaha
Maria Albers, Grand Island
Grace Alder, Stuart
Olivia Anderson, Harlan, IA
Jaden Arnold, Wichita Falls, TX
Melinda Bachtell, Blair
Lauren Ballain, Papillion
Chloe Barnes, Olathe, KS
Alexander Berry, Fremont
Kiernan Bierman, Hastings
Lexi Bode, Petersburg
Jared Bogenhagen, Papillion
Allie Bokamper, Syracuse
Emily Burns, Council Bluffs, IA
Tyler Carlson, Winside
Justin Coffman, Auxvasse, MO
Jenna Curtis, Ogallala
Kaesha Davis, Wheatland, WY
Anna Dho, Omaha
Elizabeth Dierks, Sioux Falls, SD
Shanelle Dillon, Atlanta, GA
Makenna Dziurawiec, Gretna
Tyler Edwards, Papillion
Gavin Faber, Omaha
Kayla Fischer, West Point
Kylie Freudenburg, Norfolk
Himanshu Gandhi, Omaha
Shannon Gill, Omaha
Veronica Guenther, Papillion
Avery Hermesch, Saint Libory
Anjalee Jayasekara, Omaha
Allisen Jelinek, Linwood
Ella Johnson, Ralston
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Kaitlin Keleher, Omaha
Brooke King, Olathe, KS
Jacob Kneifl, Wayne
Madison Kumke, Omaha
Elizabeth Lampert, Omaha
A.J. Leibel, Superior
Megan Lukert, Hebron
Megan Lutt, Battle Creek
Ashley Marsh, Gretna
Tobye Miller, Maxwell
Elena Newby, Omaha
Akemi Nurse, Honolulu, HI
Joy Nwadike, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, Canada
Brianna Plaster, North Platte
Gabrielle Pohlad, Phoenix, AZ
Meryn Potts, Lincoln
Kevin Quezada Estrada, Schuyler
Yasmin Rahmatian, Dallas, TX
Edgar Ramirez, Omaha
Kaelynn Rodriguez, Baker, FL
Joshua Royal, Omaha
Vance Sayer, Schuyler
Carter Schultz, Doniphan
Julia Shaffer, Olathe, KS
Bethany Smallwood, Grand Island
Brady Spotanski, Elm Creek
Stephen Steggs, Lyndon, KS
Ryland Stephens, Ashland
Abby Stroh, Juniata
Luan Tran, Hanoi, Vietnam
Yenifer Umana Alvarez, Fremont
Jacee Zoubek, Dorchester
| | Inaugural Kearney cohort- Class of 2029 | | Strategic Planning at the College of Pharmacy: Shaping the Future Together | | The UNMC College of Pharmacy recently hosted two strategic planning events to help chart its course for the coming years. Guided by the University of Nebraska’s five foundational pillars—Teaching and Learning, Research and Creative Activity, Partnerships and Engagement, Culture and Environment, and Stewardship and Effectiveness—as well as UNMC’s additional pillar of Clinical Care and Patient Safety, these efforts brought together faculty, staff, alumni, and campus leaders to collaboratively shape the college’s future. | |
Advancing Research: A Strategic Vision for Innovation
On May 28, 2025, the College launched the development of its next research strategic plan, a precursor of the college-wide planning process.
Led by Dr. Aaron Mohs, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, a task force of college faculty gathered input through surveys, listening sessions, and a college-wide retreat to identify strengths and growth opportunities. Recognizing the evolving research funding landscape, the COP is leveraging its broad translational research expertise—from drug discovery to patient outcomes. An advisory group of campus and industry leaders, including Drs. Ken Bayles, Joann Sweasy, Howard Fox, Ann Anderson Berry, Michael Dixon, and alumnus Dr. Sunkara, provided strategic guidance.
“Faculty and advisor input made it clear—we must strengthen our current research, expand collaborations and funding sources, and invest in developing future investigators, especially in areas like AI,” said Mohs. The final plan is expected to launch in early 2026.
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Collaborative Planning: Building on Foundational Pillars
On October 3, 2025, faculty and staff gathered for a second strategic planning event focused on the remaining foundational pillars. Facilitated by College of Pharmacy alumnus Dr. Lee Handke, the session encouraged open dialogue and strategic thinking. Participants were divided into groups aligned with Teaching and Learning, Partnerships and Engagement, Culture and Environment, Clinical Care and Patient Safety, and Stewardship and Effectiveness.
Each group, led by members of the college’s executive team, developed strategies and initiatives to support their assigned pillar. Before concluding, teams shared their ideas with the full group, inviting feedback and additional insights.
The strategies generated during the session will be reviewed by the executive committee as the college moves toward implementation.
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Three faculty and staff member were honored with 2024-2025 College of Pharmacy awards at the faculty meeting held on August 21. This year's recipients received a plaque and an additional stipend for professional development.
The Scholar of the Year Award recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarly activities. This year’s recipient is Josh Havens, PharmD.
The College Impact Award is presented to a faculty member who has made impactful improvements to programs related to the education, research, patient care, service and community outreach goals of the College of Pharmacy at UNMC. This year’s recipient of the award is Kristen Cook, PharmD, BCACP.
The Staff Impact Award is presented to a staff member to recognize outstanding service in pursuit of those missions and excellence in embodying UNMC’s core values (iTEACH). This year’s award recipient is Amber Hawk, MS Ed, Director of Recruitment and Admissions.
| | Two Staff Members Receive Honors | | |
Kim Lemmons, an office associate in the dean's suite, received the UNMC College of Pharmacy Ellie Award, making her the first non-student recipient.
Kim was nominated for her dependable nature and her curiosity to learn new tasks and take on new challenges. Kim consistently supports faculty and staff across the college
Congratulations Kim!
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Kellie Osler, an office associate in the OEP office, received the College's July Silver U Award.
Kellie's nominators applauded her efforts to reduce redundancies, improve communications, and her push in revamping CORE, the preceptor/site management program used by the OEP office.
Congratulations Kellie!
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New Staff Member Joins Kearney Campus
Jessie Bialas has joined our Kearney team as an Office Associate II. Originally from North Dakota, Jessie attended UNK where she received a BA in Interior Design. She continued her education, receiving a MA in Educational Administration-Higher Education from UNL. Before joining UNMC, Jessie worked in Academic Affairs at UNK.
Outside of work, Jessie spends time with her family and can be found at any number of her son's sporting events, which includes football, basketball, and baseball. Welcome to the College of Pharmacy Jessie!
| | College Hosts Preceptor Reception to Celebrate and Support Educators | |
On August 13, the UNMC College of Pharmacy welcomed approximately 30 pharmacy preceptors from across Nebraska to a special Preceptor Reception. The evening began with a relaxed social hour, featuring drinks and snacks that encouraged networking and meaningful conversations among attendees.
Following the social, Dean Klepser and Associate Dean Sobeski shared key updates from both the Omaha and Kearney campuses, highlighting recent developments and future initiatives within the college.
The event concluded with a professional development session led by Dr. Stonewall, titled Byte-Sized Teaching: AI Tips and Tricks for Busy Preceptors. This engaging presentation explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in experiential education, offering practical insights into how AI can support and enhance the precepting experience.
Overall, the reception provided a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration, celebrate the contributions of our preceptors, and continue advancing excellence in pharmacy education.
| | College of Pharmacy Celebrates Two Kate Field Grant-in-Aid Recipients | | |
We are proud to announce two of the three recipients of the prestigious Kate Field Grant-in-aid Awards for the 2025–2026 academic year hail from the College of Pharmacy. This award recognizes outstanding students at UNMC who exemplify excellence in leadership, research, activities, academics, and service to the community.
P4, Chase Clausen, and P3, Maiya Ballesteros will both receive a monthly stipend as part of the award. Congratulations!
| | Operation Immunization- Hosts Another Successful Vaccination Campaign | | |
Co-chairs David Bruce and Mariah Marisch have led a highly successful Operation Immunization campaign this fall, with over 850 patients vaccinated during two weeks of on-campus clinics alone. While the final count is still pending, early estimates suggest the total is between 852 and 859 vaccines administered at UNMC. The team also had the opportunity to showcase their skills during a recent University of Nebraska Board of Regents visit.
In addition to the campus effort, the APhA-ASP Operation Immunization team has extended its reach into the community, partnering with several organizations to provide flu vaccines across Omaha. These include:
- UNO Student Health (~125+ vaccines)
- ViaRx clinics at Roncalli Catholic, Creighton Prep, and McGrath Law (~100+ vaccines combined)
With these external clinics added to the campus numbers, the team has confidently surpassed 1,000 total vaccines — a major milestone in protecting public health this season. Final numbers from outside clinics will be confirmed once all events are completed.
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Dr. Hopkins Named Department Chair
We are proud to announce that Dr. Corey Hopkins has been appointed as the permanent Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. Hopkins brings over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and academic drug discovery, and his innovative leadership is already making a profound impact. His commitment to mentorship and scientific excellence—along with his unique tradition of commemorating student achievements with chemical compound tattoos—has made him a beloved figure in our college.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Ram Mahato for his years of dedicated leadership as the previous chair. Dr. Mahato’s contributions to nanomedicine and translational research have elevated the department’s reputation and laid a strong foundation for future success.
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Dr. Cook- Distinguished Educator
Kristen Cook, PharmD, BCACP, clinical associate professor, pharmacy practice and science, and director of Campus Culture was honored by the UNMC Interprofessional Academy of Educators as a Distinguished Educator. This is the highest honor given by the Academy.
Dr. Cook was recognized for her contributions to shaping the culture of pharmacy education at UNMC, including her innovative simulation-based teaching, which challenges students to stretch beyond their comfort zones and collaborate under pressure.
Learn more
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Dr. Garrison Named Interim Assistant Dean of Grad Studies
Jered Garrison, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, has been named interim assistant dean of UNMC Graduate Studies.
Dr. Garrison is one of UNMC’s trained facilitators for the Entering Mentoring curriculum developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research. He has facilitated multiple mentor training sessions for UNMC faculty members over the past two years. In this new role, he will coordinate the UNMC Graduate Studies Mentor Training Workshops and dissertation boot camps among other leadership duties within UNMC Graduate Studies.
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Dr. Shaffer- New Fellow in NU Program
Chris Shaffer, PharmD, PhD, interim associate dean of academic affairs, has been selected as one of sixteen University of Nebraska colleagues to participate in the NU Developing Excellence in Academic Leaders (NU DEAL) program.
The program, sponsored by all four universities with support from the Office of the President, offers an intensive two-year curriculum that helps participants develop their leadership skills, expand their networks and explore key issues and challenges facing the University of Nebraska and higher education.
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Dr. Witt Inducted in Academy of Educators
Jessica Witt, PharmD, has become the latest College of Pharmacy faculty to be inducted into UNMC's Interprofessional Academy of Educators during the group's annual induction ceremony.
The Interprofessional Academy of Educators (IAE) at UNMC is one of the largest and most diverse educator communities on campus. By joining the Academy, members gain access to a vibrant network of faculty, staff, clinical preceptors, students, and external partners, all united by a shared commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
| | | College of Pharmacy Spotlight | | Highlighting college alumni, students, and/or faculty members! | | | Today, we meet a student from the class of 2026. | | |
Jackson Stensgard, PharmD Candidate,
Class of 2026
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Where were you born and where did you go to high school?
I was born in Atlanta, GA (though I consider my hometown to be Maricopa, AZ) and I went to Maricopa HS in Maricopa, AZ.
Where did you complete your undergraduate requirements for pharmacy school?
I completed my undergraduate requirements at Doane University in Crete, NE
What is your favorite part of pharmacy school?
My favorite part of pharmacy school has been the development of relationships. It's fantastic
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as a student to be immersed in an atmosphere where everyone around you shares a similar set of goals. I know the faculty members I've learned under, as well as my classmates, will not all operate within the same space. But it's been fantastic to interact with all of these different people over the last 3.5 years, and I can't wait to see what paths we all take in the near future.
Have you decided where you might like to practice when you graduate?
I believe that my skill set suits a role that is patient-facing, so an emphasis will be placed on roles that allow me to have these personal interactions. In terms of location, I am still unsure where I'll practice following graduation. Nebraska has given me so much to this point, and after spending 7 years in the state, it would certainly be hard to leave. With that being said, I will still continue to explore my options and consider what's best for me and my family.
If you could send a brief message to all of the people who donate to the UNMC College of Pharmacy, what would you say?
To the folks who donate to the UNMC COP - thank you for all that you do. Our classes are shaped by the opportunities afforded to us because of your support. I can firmly say that my professional network and future practice have vastly improved from help by people in your position. I can only hope that the students following in our footsteps can take advantage of similar circumstances.
| | Recent Faculty Publications | | |
IBCar: Potent Orally Bioavailable Methyl N-[5-(3′-Iodobenzoyl)-1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl]Carbamate for Breast Cancer Therapy
Baranowska-Kortylewicz J., Yan Y.
Cancers 2025 17:15
Embase
HIV and Ongoing Methamphetamine Use: A Grounded Theory of Engagement in HIV Care from the BASE Study
Heerten-Rodriguez L., Coleman J.D., Jawed-Wessel S., Havens J.P.
AIDS Patient Care STDs 2025 39:8 (306-315)
Embase, MEDLINE, NURSING
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Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded with a Small Molecule Drug in Mice with Alcoholic Liver Disease
Ma J., Pan Q., Mahto S., Ramanathan R., Shaikh A., Kumar V., Tan C., Mahato R.I.
[Article in Press] Mol Pharm 2025 :
MEDLINE
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Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Associations Between Doravirine-Containing Antiretroviral Therapy and Injectable and Implantable Hormonal Contraceptive Methods Among Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in South Africa
Patel R.C., Ndlovu N., Maheria P., Kgoa R., Kew L., Kapa L.-D., Reddy K., Govindasami M., Matswake N., Sigcu N., Seedat M., Shale L., Yongo N., Hassan S.A., Williams T.L., Erikson D.W., Scarsi K.K., Palanee-Phillips T.
J. Infect. Dis. 2025 232:1 (79-89)
Embase, MEDLINE, NURSING
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Further Structure-Activity Relationship of G Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels 1/2 Activators: Synthesis and Biological Characterization of In Vitro Tool Compounds
Nahid S., Rahman F.I., Du Y., Spitznagel B.D., Singh S.K., Chhonker Y.S., Murry D.J., Weaver C.D., Hopkins C.R.
ChemMedChem 2025 20:13
Embase, MEDLINE
DECODING PHARMACOGENETICS AND METABOLIC PANELS IN JORDANIAN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Yehya A., Rababáh A.M., Hamadneh J., Shaffer C.L.
Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci. 2025 29:6 (339-346)
Embase, MEDLINE
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