Welcome to the University of Iowa's nationally ranked College of Pharmacy. The vibrant and accomplished community we've built is committed to our mission of advancing healthcare through innovation, impact, and excellence. Our program has a storied history as leaders in educating future pharmacists, and we have an even brighter future.
A New Home for Cancer Innovation
Too many Iowans are dying of cancer.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in our state, and many patients still need treatments that do not yet exist.
To address this challenge, the University of Iowa is investing $3 million in FY2027 to build out the sixth floor of the College of Pharmacy Building. Pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents, the space will provide much-needed laboratory capacity for cancer researchers and serve as the future home of the Iowa Institute for Cancer Drug Discovery and Development. The project will also be supported through the combined efforts of the College of Pharmacy, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and donors who share a commitment to reducing the burden of cancer.
I have spent much of my career in drug development and precision medicine. One thing I have learned is that progress depends on bringing people together with diverse expertise to solve a common problem. This expansion is about more than creating laboratory space. It is about creating the conditions for scientists to work together to discover and develop new cancer therapies.
I’m very happy to see this project move forward and grateful to everyone whose dedication, collaboration, and expertise have made it possible. I’m eager to see the impact it will have in advancing innovation and improving lives.
Every treatment begins with a question and is followed by years of work. Our goal is to shorten the path from discovery to patients.
What do you think would most move the needle in cancer drug discovery and development over the next decade?
Jill M. Kolesar, PharmD, MS, FCCP
Dean, Jean M. Schmidt Chair, and Professor