Accomplished scholar brings experience, leadership to top spot at pharmacy school
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has announced the appointment of Russell B. Melchert, Ph.D., R.Ph., as Dean of UMKC’s School of Pharmacy. Melchert is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, Ark.
In addition to serving at UAMS’ Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences as Chair since 2004 and as Professor with tenure since 2008, Melchert has been Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology for the UAMS College of Medicine for six years.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to attract someone of Dr. Melchert’s reputation and experience as Dean of UMKC’s exceptional School of Pharmacy,” said Gail Hackett, Ph.D., UMKC executive vice chancellor and provost. “I am confident that Dr. Melchert will continue to build on the School’s long-standing tradition of excellence and lead it to even higher levels of success.”
Since earning his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1994 at the University of Oklahoma, followed by the completion of a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, Melchert gained more than 14 years experience as a pharmacy academician and administrator. While serving as Chair, his Department experienced significant growth in the number of faculty, research resources and research laboratory renovations. Also during his tenure, the Department was ranked among the top five pharmaceutical sciences departments in the country by Academic Analytics, which surveys publication, citation and grant activity per faculty member.
Melchert’s research has received recognition at national and international levels through publications, editorial boards, book chapters in internationally known textbooks, grant funding history, service on the Veterans Affairs Merit Review Cardiology study section and collaborative research efforts on and off campus.
Melchert’s achievements in teaching are demonstrated by his many teaching awards and honors, including his election by the UAMS student body as the 2006 College of Pharmacy Teacher of the Year and his selection by students on several occasions to deliver the Honors Convocation. Also in 2006, Melchert was chosen the Student National Pharmaceutical Association Faculty Member of the Year.
His community engagement work includes serving as Board of Directors President (2006) and Chairman (2008) of the American Heart Association Pulaski County (Arkansas). He has also been an active member of the Cardiology Study Section of the Veterans Affairs Merit Review (2004) and American Heart Association, Little Rock Division Board of Directors (2002).
Melchert will assume his position at the UMKC School of Pharmacy on July 1, 2010.
About the UMKC School of Pharmacy
Founded in 1885, the UMKC School of Pharmacy is the only public school of pharmacy in the state of Missouri. The School offers professional practice (doctor of pharmacy-Pharm.D.), non-practice bachelors (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) degrees. The School of Pharmacy is committed to providing an atmosphere that promotes life-long learning by helping students develop both the knowledge and skills needed to be a pharmacy professional in an ever-changing health-care environment.
About UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.