URI College of Pharmacy Dean Kerry LaPlante Receives 2024 PBN Leaders and Achievers Award

University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Dean Kerry LaPlante has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 PBN Leaders and Achievers award by Providence Business News. This award recognizes individuals with a long-standing commitment to the Rhode Island business community, exceptional leadership skills, and a dedication to mentoring and community service.

LaPlante will be honored at an event on August 25 alongside other esteemed recipients from various industries such as healthcare, education, nonprofit, financial services, hospitality, legal, military, and technology sectors. The award highlights her outstanding contributions to the pharmacy community, exemplary leadership, and unwavering support for student success.

In her role as the eighth dean of the College of Pharmacy, LaPlante has overseen significant growth in educational offerings and research initiatives. Under her leadership, URI has been ranked among the top 10 percent of pharmacy schools in the nation for research funding, with over $21 million in funding in the past year. She has also spearheaded the establishment of a research hub in Providence in collaboration with the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

With a focus on infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, LaPlante has published over 140 peer-reviewed research articles and secured more than $21 million in research grants from various organizations. Her dedication to improving community health through research and clinical work has been a driving force in shaping the future of pharmacy.

LaPlante’s commitment to excellence and innovation has not gone unnoticed, as she joins a distinguished list of URI representatives who have received the PBN Leaders and Achievers award in recent years. Her passion for advancing the field of pharmacy and nurturing the next generation of leaders has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

As she continues to inspire and shape the future of pharmacy through leadership, mentoring, and community service, LaPlante remains grateful for the support of her College of Pharmacy community. Her remarkable achievements and continued impact serve as a testament to the collective efforts of her dedicated team, and together, they will continue to make a lasting difference in the field of pharmacy.