A MESSAGE FROM DEAN MELCHERT

Dear Friends,

The year 2025 marked a defining moment for the UMKC School of Pharmacy. With the university’s achievement of Carnegie Research 1 status, our faculty’s scholarship continues to elevate the strength and visibility of our research enterprise. Through competitive grants, contracts and impactful publications, we are expanding discovery while preparing the next generation of pharmacists and scientists.

Our mission remains equally grounded in patient care and student development. This year, students established a new advanced pharmacy practice experience in the Dominican Republic (Page 9), extending services to an underserved community while gaining invaluable global health experience. Closer to home, our ambulatory care initiatives continue to demonstrate how education and service intersect to improve lives (Page 5).

Student achievement remains a hallmark of our program. A 92% residency match rate, strong on-time graduation and solid licensure outcomes reflect both preparation and perseverance. National recognitions and competitive awards further highlight the talent and dedication of our learners. Our doctoral graduates likewise advanced to prestigious institutions, underscoring the strength of our graduate education and research training.

We also launched our 2025 to 2030 Strategic Plan (Page 6), sharpening our focus on research growth, student success, community impact and organizational excellence. As we welcome new faculty and staff and celebrate excellence across our community, we do so with confidence in our direction and gratitude for the partnership that makes this progress possible.

As you review this annual report, I hope you see not only results, but momentum. Together, we are building a school defined by impact, resilience and purpose.

Sincerely,

Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D. Dean, UMKC School of Pharmacy Professor, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences