History of the College

The UK College of Pharmacy was established Aug. 16, 1870, as the Louisville College of Pharmacy, an independent institution of higher education.

The college became a division of the University of Kentucky in 1947 and part of the newly developed UK Chandler Medical Center in 1966.

Beginning in 1967, Dean Joseph V. Swintosky led an era of incredible expansion, program development and creativity as the College attracted nationally recognized faculty, added the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs, pharmacy practice residencies, clinical service programs, a program for postdoctoral scholars, and the Center for Pharmaceutical Science and Technology.

Jordan L. Cohen followed him as dean in 1988 and the College embarked on a new philosophy of professional education, n expansion of service and outreach programs, and growth in research and graduate education.

In March 2000, Kenneth B. Roberts became dean of the College. Since that time, the college has more than tripled its endowment funding, increased research income and doubled its NIH funding. The College has continued its status as a nationally recognized educational institution and is among the top 10 pharmacy programs in the U.S.