Former School of Pharmacy Dean William J. Kinnard Jr. Passes Away

Leading pharmacologist served as dean from 1968 to 1989.

By Becky Ceraul
June 26, 2023

William J. Kinnard Jr., PhD, former dean and professor of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), passed away in February 2023. He was known by the UMSOP community for overseeing significant change and expansion at the School during his 21-year tenure.

Kinnard received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy and Master of Science in pharmacology from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his PhD in pharmacology at Purdue University. He served the School of Pharmacy as dean and professor from 1968 to 1989, as acting president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) from 1989 to 1990, and as acting assistant chancellor of the University System of Maryland from 1990 to 1991. He held various appointments with external organizations during his time at the School, including his service as vice chair of the Citizens Health Council, chair of the Board of Trustees of the United States Pharmacopeia Convention, and president and chair of the board of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. He was a founder of the Maryland Area Health Education Center system and an early proponent of interprofessional education.

“With a career spanning beyond pharmaceutical education and research, Dr. Kinnard’s dedication to the pharmacy profession, as well as to health care, was unparalleled,” says Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, interim dean and professor. “In addition to his recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of both the University of Pittsburgh and Purdue University, Dr. Kinnard was awarded the B. Olive Cole Honorary Alumnus Award by the School of Pharmacy. He was one of the first two pharmacists elected to the Institute of Medicine in 1978, and as one of the founding members of our David Stewart Associates Society for leadership giving, he helped set the benchmark for philanthropy at the School. Our entire School community is saddened by his passing.”

Under his leadership, the School witnessed an exciting period of growth, including:

• A comprehensive curriculum change with insight from faculty, students, alumni, and practitioners from all aspects of the profession. The goal was to obtain insight into the practical problems facing the profession and explore how pharmacy education could most effectively address those issues.
• Bringing the Maryland Poison Center to the School in 1972.
• The replacement of the unstructured internship program for pharmacy students with a professional experience program incorporated into the curriculum, which was the foundation of today’s experiential learning program for PharmD students.
• Growth of the School’s research and graduate education in pharmacy administration programs.
• Establishment of the Office of Minority Affairs to develop and implement effective recruiting and retention programs for minority students and the profession.
• Implementation of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 1975 while the BSP remained the primary degree.
• Establishment of the Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging.
• The opening of Pharmacy Hall.
• Creation of the Mental Health Program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health.

Following his retirement, Kinnard and his wife Dolores generously donated funds to UMB’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL) to establish the Kinnard Leisure Reading Collection. In recognition of that gift and his advocacy for funding to construct the current library building, HS/HSL honored him in 2009 with the Theodore E. Woodward Award. In 2015, the School of Pharmacy honored him with the Key to Pharmacy Hall.

Even upon his passing, Kinnard continued to support the School of Pharmacy with a planned gift, establishing the William and Dolores Kinnard Teaching Award Endowment, which will provide endowed support for a faculty teaching award.

“Dean Kinnard is remembered by alumni and faculty for his mentorship, tremendous sense of humor, loyalty, and leadership,” says Raymond Love, PharmD, professor emeritus of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research and former director of the School’s Mental Health Program, of which Kinnard was a champion. “Dean Kinnard’s presence both lit up a room and demanded respect. His advocacy for the profession of pharmacy and insight into the health care system were invaluable during a crucial period of change in pharmacy education and practice.”

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