Rising Impact: Celebrating Growth in Rankings, Student Success, and Research


This spring, I am excited to share outstanding news about the continued momentum of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.

Our U.S. News & World Report national ranking has risen from 24 to 20—a meaningful step forward that reflects the collective dedication, excellence, and impact of our community.

This improvement is driven first and foremost by student success. The Class of 2026 attained a 100% final residency match rate, while the Class of 2025 achieved an excellent first‑time NAPLEX pass rate of 85%. These outcomes reflect the strength of our curriculum, the commitment of our faculty and staff, and the preparation our students receive to thrive in practice, research, and leadership roles.

Our research enterprise is also demonstrating extraordinary growth. In FY 2025, the college experienced a 440% increase in grant funding, highlighting the innovation, collaboration, and national competitiveness of our faculty. Further underscoring this excellence, 28% of our current tenured and tenure‑track faculty are recognized among the Top 2% most cited scientists globally.

These achievements are not the result of any single effort. They are made possible by the faculty and staff who prepare our students for success, drive a vibrant research enterprise, and sustain day‑to‑day excellence across the college. They are strengthened by alumni whose engagement and support make a lasting difference—and inspired by our students, who continue to make us exceptionally proud.

Thank you for all you do to move our college forward.

New Undergraduate Degree Announced

In November 2025, the Iowa Board of Regents approved the UI College of Pharmacy’s plans to introduce a new Bachelor of Science in pharmacy sciences (BSPS) undergraduate program.

The program, which will be housed in the college starting fall 2027, will equip students with a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical industry, research, biotechnology, drug manufacturing, and drug development, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the high-growth field. It also will serve as a pathway to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or another graduate degree.

First Gen Success Network Launches

Approximately 20% of PharmD students at the UI College of Pharmacy identify as first-generation. These students often navigate unique challenges as they pursue their professional education. 

Through the generosity of Miekeleen Hart, ’79 BSPh, the college has launched the First Gen Success Network—a comprehensive initiative designed to advance student success, foster a sense of belonging, and support long-term academic persistence. Following a competitive selection process, first-generation students Isabele Raveling and Katlyn Zawojski were chosen as student leaders to help shape the initiative.

College Showcases Innovation During First Research Day

The UI College of Pharmacy proudly launched its inaugural Research Day April 10, bringing together faculty, students, and researchers to showcase innovation, collaboration, and discovery across the college. The showcase highlighted the important role research plays in leading the future of pharmacy, spotlighting the scope of scholarly work being conducted across the college. Nearly 40 posters from faculty and students spanned a range of research areas, such as cardiovascular health, sleep medicine, drug delivery, health services research, and neuroscience. 

Scholarship Spotlight: J. Patrick McDonnell Scholarship Fund

Scholarships are often more than financial assistance—they are bridges between hard work and possibility. For Susan McDonnell, that truth was shaped early in life. Both she and her husband, Pat McDonnell, grew up in families of modest means, where scholarships made higher education achievable. Those opportunities allowed Pat to pursue his calling as a pharmacist, ultimately serving Iowans for nearly fifty years.

Pat believed deeply in giving back. At the time of his sudden passing, he was working with the UI College of Pharmacy to establish a scholarship that would support future students. He was just short of his personal goal of serving Iowa pharmacy patients for fifty years, but through the scholarship created in his name, his legacy continues. Memorial contributions from family and friends laid the foundation, and Susan fulfilled the remaining pledge by donating required minimum distributions from her IRA—an intentional and meaningful way to invest in students while also stewarding her resources wisely.

Dean Donald Letendre helped Susan understand the ongoing need for scholarship support, the real impact it has on students’ lives, and how building the college’s endowment ensures long term strength and opportunity. Today, that impact is felt most clearly by the students who receive the McDonnell scholarship. With rising education costs, even modest financial relief can ease stress, reduce student debt, and allow students to focus more fully on learning and growth.

For Susan, the greatest reward is knowing one deserving student carries a lighter financial burden. To those students—and to others considering supporting scholarships—she offers a simple message: "This generosity is a way of paying it forward. It reflects belief in students’ dreams and the hope that, one day, they will do the same for someone else."

If you are interested in supporting student scholarships, please visit this link.

New Research: Targeted Pharmacist Support Helps Patients Stay on Track After Leaving the Hospital

A new JAMA Network Open study by UI College of Pharmacy researchers, Korey Kennelty, Logan Murry, and Onyeche Oche, underscores the evolving impact of pharmacists in improving patient care transitions. The study's findings suggest that patients who struggle most with medication adherence and understanding may benefit from targeted, pharmacist-led post-discharge support.

The UI College of Pharmacy will host the 2026 US-Thai/US-ASEAN Pharmacy Consortia Meeting June 2 - 5. The long-standing collaboration between the United States and Thailand improves pharmacy education and the advancement of pharmacy practice in Thailand. The consortia is an opportunity for faculty, students, practitioners, and others to share best practices and address challenges, improve health outcomes, and strengthen international networks.

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In the spirit of pharmacy leader Zada Mary Cooper, join us May 2 for Zada Cooper LEADS—a celebration of service, leadership, and scholarship that inspires professionals and students to grow as compassionate leaders, build meaningful connections, and give back to their profession and community.

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Commencement 2026

UI Strengthens International Collaboration

The University of Iowa and Taipei Medical University (TMU) have extended their partnership to promote continued collaboration in education, training, and research. The program’s new five-year agreement supports joint academic activities, exchange of faculty and students, participation in conferences and seminars, shared information, and practical training opportunities. Shawn Hsiang-Yin Chen, ’96 MS, ’98 PharmD and Liz Chang, ’13 PhD, serve as TMU College of Pharmacy associate dean and associate professor of clinical pharmacy, respectively.

Did You Know?

According to the Postsecondary Education Economics Research Center, the Doctor of Pharmacy degree consistently stands out as a high-value pathway for students and practitioners. Analyses show that pharmacy ranks among the top graduate degrees for lifetime earnings growth and return on investment, ranking second only to an MD and ahead of a JD. Notably, PharmD graduates see an average 114% earnings increase after completing their degree.

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions at APhA Annual Meeting

Faculty, students, and alumni from the UI College of Pharmacy came together at the APhA 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition last month to reconnect and celebrate achievements. Congratulations to all who delivered presentations, showcased posters, or received awards!

💛 Lisa Gersema, ’84 BSPh, ’86 PharmD, gave a gift to the College of Pharmacy Opportunity Fund.



💛 Jill Kolesar, dean, Jean M. Schmidt chair, and professor, and Lee Vermeulen gave a gift to CANDID: Iowa Pharmacy Cancer Drug Discovery and Development Fund.

Gates Reflects on Past Year as NACDS Chair

Rick Gates, '95 BSPh, is concluding his term as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) chair. He recently reflected on this past year in a Drug Store News article, expressing gratitude and urgency.

Get active and support student scholarships! This Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) Foundation fundraiser allows you to get active anytime, anywhere, any way you enjoy to raise money for student scholarships. Step, Cycle, and Swing will take place June 12-July 24, kicking off Friday morning of IPA Annual Meeting.

Join fellow pharmacy alumni and friends July 8, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., for an Iowa Pharmacy Reception hosted by Charlie, '90 BSPh and Angela Tobler in Scales Mound, Illinois.



RSVP by June 30.

Thank you to the amazing donors who generously gave to the College of Pharmacy during the 2026 One Day For Iowa 24-hour online giving event last month! Your support helps advance our mission to educate and empower the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

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