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Lexington – University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy announced a new partnership with Kentucky State University, the premier HBCU of Kentucky. This partnership will allow students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy in an accelerated time frame. The innovative 3+4 program allows participating students to count their first year of pharmacy school as their final year of undergraduate school.

Students will earn a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Kentucky State upon completion of their first year at UK College of Pharmacy, and after finishing a three-year pre-pharmacy sequence of courses at Kentucky State.

“I am always excited when our students have opportunities to continue their education in graduate or professional schools,” Kentucky State University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lucian Yates III said. “When they know that opportunities exist, perhaps it will cause them to work harder and plan more diligently. When students know their worth and know that pathways exist, I believe they will take advantage of them.”

Yates said the partnership takes effect immediately and the first students to enter the agreement will do so within the next two years.

“The partnership was the brainchild of two chemistry professors: Dr. Suzette Poston and Dr. Scott Wicker,” Yates said. “They both were looking for post-secondary opportunities for their students who majored in chemistry and the other sciences. Pharmacy was a natural and since the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy was trying to diversify its pharmacy school, this partnership was a natural. So, conversations have been held for several months until this agreement was formulated and approved by both institutions.”

“We are excited about this partnership with Kentucky State,” said Kip Guy, dean of the UK College of Pharmacy. “Establishing agreements like this one means we can help our students enter the workforce faster, while continuing to expand opportunities for those studying in Kentucky. It also ensures we are able to continue to recruit students of the highest caliber.”

Kentucky State is ranked fourth in Public Schools according to U.S. News & World Report, and the UK College of Pharmacy continues to be a nationally ranked top-ten program, according to that same report.

“We are lucky to be able to create this opportunity for Kentucky State students and the UK program,” said Jason Mitchell, director of enrollment management for UK College of Pharmacy. “These types of agreements are a win for both institutions.”