Keith Olsen, Pharm.D., the new dean of the College of Pharmacy, finds it "a bit surreal" to be back at UNMC.

Dr. Olsen is an alumnus and was on the UNMC faculty for two decades before serving as dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy the past three years.

It's good to be back home. But his time away, at Arkansas, was invaluable, Dr. Olsen said:

"I think the best thing that I could have done was to leave and come back, to get a better understanding of leadership, and directing a program, and how you would be inclusive. I've always said that administration is a team sport."  Read more

A retirement reception for Jeff Baldwin, Pharm.D., a 45-year employee in the UNMC College of Pharmacy, was held Jan. 30.
Dr. Baldwin served as professor over the last 10 years of his career and was vice chair for education for the College of Pharmacy from 2008-2017.

During his illustrious career, Dr. Baldwin served as president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy in 2009-2010 and as president of the Nebraska Pharmacists Association from 1994-1996.

Among his numerous awards, Dr. Baldwin received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Pharmacy in 2006. In 2012, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recognized him with the Hugo H. Schaefer Award for his lifetime contributions to APhA and the pharmacy profession. In 2010, Dr. Baldwin's alma mater, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, gave him the Paul F. Parker Award.

Active in the Boy Scouts for many years, Dr. Baldwin received numerous accolades for his heroism during the 2008 tornado that went through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. These honors included the UNMC Spirit of Community Service Award, the Silent Heroes Award (D.J.'s Hero Awards), the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms from the Boys Scouts of America, the State of Iowa Governor's Recognition for Bravery, and the Individual Achievement Medal from the Nebraska National Guard.  Read more

A ceremony to recognize outstanding researchers at UNMC was held in March. Don Klepser, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, received the Distinguished Scientist Award.

The Distinguished Scientist Award -- which is sponsored by the chancellor -- recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists in the country during the past five years.

The goal of Dr. Klepser's research is to utilize the accessibility and expertise of community pharmacists to improve medication use and patient care.  Read more

Vaccines are the best way to prevent life-threatening diseases and now it's easier for parents to get these critical shots for their adolescent-aged children.

All they have to do is visit their neighborhood Omaha pharmacy.  Read more

Jonathan Vennerstrom, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been named to a committee of ten members to study the long-term health effects of antimalarial drugs.  Read more

At the Society of Critical Care Medicine congress in San Diego, Greg Peitz, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, became a fellow (FCCM) in the American College of Critical Care (ACCM). Pictured with Keith Olsen, the first pharmacist to serve as chancellor for the ACCM.

UNMC College of Pharmacy faculty and students attended the APhA annual meeting in Seattle March 22-25.

The annual meeting was four full days of innovative education, interactive debates and discussions, a sold-out exhibit hall, and an exceptionally rewarding event for all who attended.

The UNMC chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) is the largest professional pharmacy student organization on campus. The mission of the APhA-ASP is to be the collective voice of pharmacy students, to provide opportunities for professional growth, and to envision and actively promote the future of pharmacy.

Rho Chi hosted their annual Initiation Banquet in March at Spezia. Eleven new members were initiated into the society that seeks to advance pharmacy through intellectual leadership. Dr. Keith Olsen, Dean, gave the keynote address.

Richard "Lee" Sleightholm, Ph.D. candidate in Dr. David Oupicky's lab, has been chosen as the 2018-2019 recipient of the Praesto Award. This award is presented by UNMC Graduate Studies to the most exceptional M.S. or Ph.D. graduate.

The award recognizes Lee's accomplishments spanning multiple arenas - academics, research, leadership, service and outreach. Nominations for the Praesto Award are submitted by members of the UNMC Graduate Council, and a Selection Committee is tasked with choosing the winner from this pool of outstanding candidates.  Congratulations, Lee!

Chris Ullman, Assessment Associate in the Dean's Office, has been awarded the January Silver U for the College of Pharmacy. The Silver U Award is given annually to employees whose overall performance is above and beyond the scope of their position. Nominations included the following:

Chris consistently performs at a high level in her position as assessment associate. In her role, she must constantly learn and manage many different projects and responsibilities. She works well with other staff and faculty and is always available to assist when necessary. She is dependable and gets things done.

Chris is incredibly responsive whenever asked to help out on any project or question that arises. Her knowledge base is outstanding and she is a joy to work with! Congratulations, Chris!

Lynnette Mullins Retirement Reception
April 24, 2019, Noon
PDD Commons area (2nd level)

Spring Honor Convocation (P4 hooding ceremony)
May 3, 2019, 2PM
Joslyn Art Museum
Contact Lynnette Mullins for information

Omaha Commencement Ceremony
May 4, 2019, 9AM
Baxter Arena

Alumni Events - please contact Alumni Relations for more information

Olsen Welcome Reception

May 14, 2019, 5:30pm

Central Nebraska Visit

May 20-22, 2019

Northeast Nebraska Visit

June 10-11, 2019

Preceptor Retreat

August 9, 2019

White Coat Ceremony

August 21, 2019

Biopharmaceutical Research & Development Symposium

September 4-5, 2019