Jeff Baldwin Celebrates 40 Years at UNMC  When Jeffrey Baldwin, Pharm.D., professor and Vice Chair for Education at theCollege of Pharmacy, got here in 1973, UNMC was a radical place. And he loved that about this place. "We were the first program outside of California to approve the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree as the sole entry-level degree for the College of Pharmacy," he said. That was a daring move. But, "History has proven us correct." Dr. Baldwin has been a part of that history. In his 40 years at UNMC, he has served as a vital resource in his field of study, substance abuse and recovery from addictions; he's served as president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy; and, he's been honored with the UNMC Spirit of Community Service Award for his work with youth scouting. Radical? Dr. Baldwin once rappelled down Omaha's Woodmen Tower as a fundraiser for Boy Scouts of America. But, history was almost cut short. A budget crisis in the mid-'80s brought about a proposal that UNMC close its College of Pharmacy. What happened next is one of Dr. Baldwin's favorite memories: "Pharmacy and the public rose almost as a singular voice in expressing support for the college and its ongoing provision of pharmacists safeguarding the health of Nebraskans," Dr. Baldwin said. The proposal to close the college was rejected. "And the college has continued its vital mission of providing practitioners and scientists engaged in providing innovative pharmaceuticals and patient care," Dr. Baldwin said. It's a radical idea. And it's been a pretty good way to spend the last 40 years. |