The College of Pharmacy at UNT Health Fort Worth recently earned significant recognition in state and national research rankings, according to new reports from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
In the 2024 Blue Ridge rankings, which measure National Institutes of Health research funding, the College of Pharmacy ranked No. 4 in Texas and No. 41 nationally in U.S. pharmacy schools — ahead of several larger and longer-established programs across the state.
“These rankings are a testament to the strength, talent and innovation of our research faculty,” said Evan Robinson, dean of the college, in a statement. “Our faculty members not only advance impactful, federally funded research that improves patient care, but also mentor graduate and professional students eager to follow in their footsteps. The national recognition we’re receiving reflects that dedication.”
The college also advanced in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s 2024 research funding report, moving from fifth to fourth place in Texas and climbing five spots nationally to No. 42. The college secured $6.8 million in total research funding — the highest in its history — and ranked second in Texas and 14th nationally for the percentage of faculty with federal funding.
“We’re a growing research powerhouse with results that matter,” said Rebecca Cunningham, associate dean of research in pharmaceutical sciences.
The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research ranks U.S. academic institutions annually based on NIH funding, a key benchmark for research competitiveness. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy tracks total external research funding, offering insight into how pharmacy schools are performing in securing competitive grants and expanding their research portfolios.
External grant funding is a metric for which “we can be proud,” said Denise Inman, interim chair and professor of pharmaceutical sciences.
“Behind those numbers are faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students whose dedication to advancing knowledge — from disease processes to molecular design — makes this possible,” Inman said.
According to the university, the strong showings in both rankings highlight UNT Health’s commitment to fostering a high-performing research environment that drives innovation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, clinical practice and health outcomes.
“The motto of UNT Health’s College of Pharmacy is, ‘We make healthcare better.’ The newly released AACP rankings show that our faculty and trainees are bringing that motto to life through groundbreaking discoveries,” said Kyle Emmitte, senior associate dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences.