Burkhardt selected for AACP Fellows Program

Crystal Burkhardt, clinical professor in the KU School of Pharmacy, has been selected to participate in the Academic Leadership Fellows Program, coordinated by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Burkhardt is one of 35 aspiring leaders nationally selected for AACP’s year-long fellows program. KU Pharmacy Dean Ronald Ragan will serve as Burkhardt’s local mentor.

“Crystal’s experience in the Veterans Affairs pharmacy system and her many years of teaching pharmacy in higher education give her a professional and academic balance that serve our students well,” said Ragan. “She has a bright future as an academic leader, and we’re excited that she’ll have the opportunity to build her leadership skills and network with colleagues in the Academic Leadership Fellows Program.”

According to AACP, the program provides content on how to lead change, conflict management, diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership development, and advocacy. Fellows meet four times throughout the year, beginning in September. In addition to leadership training, participants explore critical issues in pharmacy and higher education, discuss management and administrative challenges, work on team building, and interact with national and international pharmacy and higher ed leaders. It’s also an opportunity to build relationships with peers and colleagues in other institutions and expand relationships in home institutions.

“Being selected to participate in AACP’s Academic Leadership Fellows Program is a true honor,” said Burkhardt, who is in her 11th year at KU. “I believe the program will allow me to further develop my leadership style and approach, understand how I can utilize my strengths at the KU School of Pharmacy, and develop lasting relationships through the network of colleagues in the wider circles of academic pharmacy.”

Burkhardt specializes in geriatric pharmacy, which is also the focus of her research efforts. Her primary practice site is the Landon Center on Aging, located on the University of Kansas School of Medicine campus in Kansas City. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and MBA at Drake University. Her hometown is Pickrell, Nebraska.