History at a Glance
1946 - Where it All Began
The School of Pharmacy was established at the University of Wyoming, creating new opportunities for students to pursue careers in healthcare close to home.
1950 - FIrst Graduating Class
The program’s first graduates entered the workforce, beginning a tradition of preparing pharmacists to serve Wyoming communities and beyond.
1972 - Hands-On Learning Takes Shape
Clinical pharmacy training was introduced, giving students real-world experience working with patients and healthcare teams.
1996 - The Modern Pharm.D.
The Doctor of Pharmacy became the professional standard, emphasizing patient-centered care, critical thinking, and advanced clinical skills.
Today - Your Turn to Lead
Students gain experience through rotations across Wyoming and beyond—building skills, connections, and impact. Be part of what comes next.
From Humble Beginnings to Statewide Impact
The School of Pharmacy began in the basement of Merica Hall with just two faculty members and a small group of students. Fueled by post–World War II enrollment growth, the program quickly expanded into a full four-year curriculum and became an independent academic unit.
By the 1960s, the school had evolved to meet the changing demands of healthcare education, transitioning to a five-year program and joining the College of Health Sciences. A move into a dedicated pharmacy building further supported its rapid growth and future development.
How We've evolved
From its early days as a small program, the School of Pharmacy quickly expanded to meet the needs of a growing healthcare landscape. Curriculum changes introduced more rigorous academic training, while new facilities supported increased enrollment and innovation.
As the profession evolved, so did the way students learned. Clinical experiences became a defining part of the program, giving students the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare teams.
The transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy marked a shift toward a more patient-centered, practice-ready education—one that continues today through extensive experiential learning across Wyoming and beyond.
Explore our timeline
Dive deeper into the moments, milestones, and growth that shaped the School of Pharmacy.
The School of Pharmacy was established in 1946 under the leadership of Dr. David W. O’Day. Initially housed in Merica Hall, the program began with a small cohort of students and quickly expanded. By 1950, the first class of graduates completed the program, marking the beginning of a long tradition of pharmacy education at UW.
In response to growing demand and advancements in the field, the curriculum expanded and evolved. The program transitioned to a five-year degree and became part of the College of Health Sciences. During this time, the school also moved into a dedicated facility, supporting increased enrollment and program development.
The introduction of clinical pharmacy marked a major shift in how pharmacists were trained. Students began gaining hands-on experience in healthcare settings, working directly with patients and providers. This era laid the foundation for today’s experiential learning model.
In 1996, the School of Pharmacy introduced the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) as the professional standard. By 2000, the first Pharm.D. class graduated, signaling a new era of patient-focused education. Today, students participate in extensive experiential rotations across Wyoming and beyond.
