The Spirit of the Season at the 2024 State of the College

This award recognizes outstanding research contributions by the new investigators of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy faculty. Recipients are selected based on:
• The level of excellence and originality of their research
• Independence of thought, originality of approach, clarity of communication,
• and the impact of their work on their field

Dr. Xiong has continually delivered outstanding, innovative research. His anticancer and antiviral drug discoveries have entered clinical trials and positively impacted the quality of human health, with 11 issued US patents and 6 more pending. His commitment to education is equally significant with substantial contributions to the creation of two BSPS courses and mentoring of many students in his lab.

This award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding work in the College of Pharmacy. Recipients are:

• widely recognized for their transformational discoveries 
• and their innovative approaches impacting a pharmacy-related field.

Dr. Thatcher receives this award for his contributions to science, his collaborative spirit, and exceptional mentorship. Focusing on discovering molecules that target the underlying causes of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, Thatcher's groundbreaking research has been continuously funded by NIH since 2003, resulting in over 170 publications and dozens of issued patents. Beyond research, he serves on various committees and has recently been named the college's new TLA Faculty Innovation Ambassador, using his extensive experience in translational science to mentor others through the bench to application process.

The Schnellmann Family Faculty Award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who has contributed exceptional and unique service within the College in the past academic year or 12 months. Along with their service to the College, recipients have demonstrated either:

• Excellence in teaching, or 
• Significant accomplishments in research

Elizabeth far exceeds the requirements of exceptionalism and unique leadership service within the college for this award. Under her guidance, the PharmD Forward and Rural Health Professions programs have become highlights of the college, preparing the next generation of pharmacists, and supporting rural and underserved Arizona communities. Even with balancing extensive service commitments and a high teaching load, the quality of her work does not falter, receiving outstanding teacher evaluations, peer reviews, and award nominations. Most recently, Elizabeth successfully led the college's ACPE accreditation, a monumental undertaking and critical to the continuing success of the PharmD program.

This award recognizes faculty who have extended their scholarship, teaching and service to external constituents in ways that result in a positive outcome in problem solving or development for individuals, organizations, or communities. Service and Outreach through engaged scholarship activities extend the intellectual expertise and resources of the College of Pharmacy through teaching, research, and/or service to address the social, civic, economic, and environmental issues and opportunities facing our communities.

Since joining the college in 1982, Dr. Katz has demonstrated a long history of service and leadership. His commitment to excellence in advanced clinical and experiential teaching has increased the reputation and visibility of the college within national and international communities. He continues his dedication by serving as a faculty advisor on many student organizations, including the International Pharmacy Student Federation (IPSF), which has been selected as an award-winning chapter. Most recently, Dr. Katz has been the recipient of the 2024 Paul Parker Award from the University of Kentucky, his alma mater, for significant contributions to the advancement of pharmacy practice, education, and leadership.

Dr. Theodore G. Tong is a leader in our community and provides ongoing mentorship to students and faculty at our college. He has made a significant impact on the profession of pharmacy not only locally but also nationally. This award has been established and given in his name to recognize a member of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy whose impact reaches students and members of the profession in ways that emulate the outstanding service and leadership that Dr. Tong demonstrates.

Elizabeth exemplifies the values represented by this award—dedication, leadership, and a commitment to student success and the advancement of the pharmacy profession. Through her leadership, the Rural Health Professions Program provides students with leadership roles and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, enhancing their teamwork skills and professionalism. Serving as a positive motivator, she leads with compassion and commitment. She shows genuine interest in student life, guiding them through academic and professional challenges. Her leadership continues to shape the future of pharmacy. 

Liz Coronado

Liz receives this award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the college. Her reliability and dedication to her role make her exceptionally deserving of this award. She consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities, demonstrating unmatched commitment, professionalism, and a proactive, problem-solving approach in everything she does. She exemplifies the spirit of excellence for which our college strives.

Kelly Keyser

Kelly receives this award in recognition of her collaboration and quality of work within the college. Kelly has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and resource-sharing alongside excellence in service, dedication and teamwork. Consistently surpassing the call of duty, she clarifies issues, find solutions, provides policy guidance and shares best-practices—all while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.