Strategic Plan

Mission, Vision and Strategic Priorities of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Heading link

On November 25, 2024, the faculty of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Retzky College of Pharmacy (COP) adopted the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The 10-page plan was developed with input from hundreds of faculty, students, alumni, and external partners. The full document is available on request. Presented here is a condensed version of the strategic plan that includes only the core elements (which have been edited for presentation). These core elements are the differential advantage, vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities.

DIFFERENTIAL ADVANTAGE

Established in 1859 and consistently ranked among the top colleges of pharmacy nationally, the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy, part of a public Carnegie Research 1 institution, is renowned for seamless integration of its educational programs with innovative pharmacy services and impactful cutting-edge research.

Key Elements of the Differential Advantages of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy:

  • With the largest number of pharmacy faculty in the Nation, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios among top-ranked schools, allowing for individualized student experiences not available elsewhere.
  • Operates seven college-run ambulatory pharmacies, more than any other college/school of pharmacy.
  • Embedded within the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health), which includes the health system clinical and research enterprise and 7 health science colleges, one of the few in the Nation, providing a rich environment conducive for interprofessional education, interdisciplinary collaborations, research, and patient care.
  • More than 1100 diverse pharmacy practice opportunities for experiential education, encompassing essentially all professional specialties.
  • Consistently ranked among the top schools of pharmacy for research funding, and with internationally renowned research programs that advance pharmaceutical science, clinical pharmacy sciences, pharmaceutical health services, and community health outcomes.
  • Boasts a living alumni base of over 11,000 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral scholars.
  • Expansive faculty and alumni presence in leadership positions (corporate, academic, professional and scientific associations) locally, nationally, and globally, which creates unparalleled networking opportunities for students and new graduates.
  • With two campuses, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy combines the resources and opportunities of a large urban campus in the world class city of Chicago with the personalized and community-focused environment of a smaller campus in the vibrant city of Rockford, providing students with different learning environments and student experiences catering to the diverse needs of our student population.
  • Six-time Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award winner, demonstrating our longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Offers four degrees (Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences [BSPS], Doctor of Pharmacy [PharmD], Master of Science [MS], Doctor of Philosophy [PhD]), postgraduate training (residencies and fellowships), and numerous continuing education and certificate programs for lifelong learning.
  • Eight optional concentrations are available to UIC Retzky PharmD students including the Rural Pharmacy Education Program (RPHARM), Urban Pharmacy Education Program (UPHARM), and other clinical, research, and leadership areas of interest.
  • Over 90% of our students consistently receive financial assistance including scholarships and awards demonstrating our commitment to affordability and access.

VISION

Collaborating to lead in transformative, impactful, and inclusive pharmacy education, research, and service that improves the health and lives of individuals in our community, the Nation, and the world.

MISSION

The purpose of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky (Retzky) College of Pharmacy is to educate, train, and develop outstanding pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and leaders in pharmacy reflecting our diverse constituencies; to conduct and disseminate impactful and cutting-edge research; and to provide exceptional and innovative patient care and serve our local, national, and global communities.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The strategic priorities of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy for 2025-2029 are to:

  1. Optimize learner outcomes by delivering the highest quality education and learning experience.
  2. Attract top applicants and increase enrollment in our existing or new education and training programs.
  3. Grow our research enterprise to enable greater discovery and impact.
  4. Enhance pharmacy integration and contributions to advancing health equity and quality care through collaborative patient care practice, community engagement, professional services, and advocacy.
  5. Foster a culture and community where students/trainees, faculty, and staff feel valued and supported on their journey to achieving their full potential.
  6. Ensure the necessary infrastructure and resources to recruit and retain faculty, staff, and students/trainees.

Each strategic priority is supported by several goals with specific objectives. The Retzky College of Pharmacy has an assessment plan in place to monitor the completion of these objectives.