LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 18, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) proudly announces that Frank Romanelli, Pharm.D., Parker Endowed Professor and chief academic officer, has been awarded the 2025 Rho Chi Lecture Award. This top honor, presented annually by the Rho Chi Society, recognizes those who have made profound and transformative contributions to the health professions through their dedication to education, research, and service.

As the Rho Chi Society’s most prestigious award, the Lecture Award is reserved for distinguished scholars who have significantly shaped the health professions. Romanelli joins an elite group of leaders whose influence has not only advanced pharmacy but has also laid the foundation for future innovations in health education and patient care. As part of this recognition, he will deliver the Rho Chi Lecture at the 2025 Annual Convention on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

“Dr. Romanelli’s influence on the lives and careers of many individuals will impact pharmacy education and practice for many years into the future,” said Joseph T. DiPiro, Pharm.D., UKCOP alumnus and former Rho Chi Lecture Award recipient.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from the Rho Chi Society,” said Romanelli. “It’s an honor to stand alongside such distinguished individuals—true pharmacy legends dating back to the mid-1960s—and this award reflects the collective efforts of colleagues, mentors, and students who have been pivotal in my career.”

Romanelli has built a reputation for excellence in education, practice, and research. His innovative work in curriculum development at UKCOP has set a national standard for pharmacy education, helping shape future generations of pharmacists.

Abbey Carr, Pharm.D, a former student who spearheaded the nomination, shared her appreciation for Romanelli’s mentorship. “Dr. Romanelli is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Carr. “His guidance has profoundly impacted my career and continues to inspire so many of us at UKCOP.”

Romanelli joins an illustrious list of UKCOP leaders, including alumni Henry J. Mann, PharmD; James C. Cloyd, PharmD; Joseph T. DiPiro, PharmD; Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, PharmD; and Dean Emeritus Joseph V. Swintosky, Ph.D., all of whom have previously received this respected award.

About the Rho Chi Society

The Rho Chi Society is the national academic honor society in pharmacy, committed to promoting intellectual leadership and advancing pharmaceutical sciences. The Society celebrates excellence in intellectual achievement and upholds the highest standards of conduct among its members. The Rho Chi Lecture Award is one of the Society’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to the profession.

For more information about the Rho Chi Society and the Lecture Award, visit https://rhochi.org/awards/lecture-award/.