Remembering Beth Winans

1965-2016

Elizabeth “Beth” Winans, clinical associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, died Dec. 15, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. She was 51.

Winans joined UMKC in 2007. Her practice was mostly at Truman Medical Centers’ Behavior Health Department, where she taught student pharmacists and medical teams. She recently was recognized nationally by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists with the Innovative Practice Award, signifying her hard work, dedication and creativity in behavioral health.

“Beth was an outstanding faculty member and role model who taught many student pharmacists at UMKC, but also the rest of us who are faculty and staff,” said Russell B. Melchert, dean of the UMKC School of Pharmacy. “Perhaps the most valuable lesson I hope to continue learning from Beth is how to be a champion and fight against all odds while keeping your head high and taking care of your loved ones and colleagues.”

Melchert got to know Winans when she was at the University of Oklahoma, where both earned their bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy, and she later earned her Pharm.D. She was an avid fan of Kansas State University, where she had earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences in 1988.

“I couldn’t convince her to become a Sooner fan,” Melchert said.

Winans was recognized as the K-State Champion at the Coaches vs. Cancer event in October. Not only did she represent her alma mater well in her final months, she also served as an outstanding and courageous representative for UMKC. She insisted on continuing to work on behalf of the school in every way possible, Melchert said, including working on curricular and accreditation issues during her difficult treatments.

Winans is survived by her son, Brad, and her parents. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 19.


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