Honoring Zada Cooper's Legacy

Zada Mary Cooper’s legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy continues to shape pharmacy education and the profession. This spring, and in the spirit of Women's History Month, I am pleased to share three important developments that expand the reach and impact of that legacy—both nationally and here at Iowa.

First, we are proud to announce the launch of the Zada Cooper Scholarship Fund through our Zada Cooper LEADS program. This scholarship will support pharmacy students who exemplify the values that defined Zada Cooper’s life and work: Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Distinction, and Service. By investing directly in our students, the scholarship ensures that her commitment to developing principled, engaged leaders continues for generations to come.

At the same time, the Zada Cooper Lecture is moving to the national stage through a new partnership with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The 2026 Zada Cooper Lecture will be presented on March 28 at the APhA Annual Meeting as part of the Women in Pharmacy Leadership Development Forum. This joint presentation reflects the enduring relevance of Zada Cooper’s vision and Iowa Pharmacy’s longstanding leadership within the profession.

We also will celebrate and continue to build this legacy locally. I invite you to join us for Zada Cooper LEADS on May 2, where we will gather as a community to honor Zada Cooper’s impact, celebrate our students, and share progress on the new scholarship fund. 

Together, these milestones affirm our commitment to honoring Zada Cooper not only in name, but in action—by supporting students, elevating leadership, and advancing the profession at Iowa and beyond. 
 

Jill M. Kolesar, PharmD, MS, FCCP
Dean, Jean M. Schmidt Chair, and Professor