It’s the early 2000s at the University of Iowa (UI). College of Pharmacy PhD student Donald Klepser is spending his weekends chasing his toddler across playground jungle gyms and planning his next stop at Baldy’s. Erik Maki is making memories eating pizza at the Airliner on Wednesday nights with his fellow Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students. Back then, neither could have predicted that they would one day join the college’s deep roster of distinguished alumni. Klepser, ’05 PhD, and Maki, ’03 PharmD, became college of pharmacy deans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Drake University, respectively, bringing their Hawkeye spirit beyond their years in Iowa City and into their leadership.
The Call to Iowa
Dean Klepser came to the UI by what he calls “divine intervention.” After the company he was working for suddenly went bankrupt, he was at a loss for what to do next. Graduate school was never on his radar. His brother, Mike -- a faculty member at UI College of Pharmacy at the time-- connected him with fellow professor William Doucette. He only needed 30 minutes on the phone with Doucette to know that the UI, and more specifically the Pharmaceutical Socioeconomics Program (now Health Services Research), was the perfect next step. Within the week, he was packing his things to move to Iowa City.
Dean Maki’s story is a family affair. His parents both built lasting careers at UI and drew their son into the campus community. He grew up attending countless university events and adopted his parents’ dedication to the school. “With the university woven so closely into my upbringing, I never considered any other school,” Maki said. “Being admitted to the pharmacy program felt like a natural continuation of that lifelong connection.”
Academic Inspiration
Klepser found strong role models among the faculty. Their passion lit fires under their students, causing spirited discussions that Klepser saw push his peers, and himself, to be their best. “I’m not sure I appreciated how unique and special that was at the time,” Klepser said. “I’ve carried a lot of that with me and hope it has made me a leader who listens and values everyone’s input and ideas.”
“To me, a career in academia represents an opportunity to be challenged, to grow and learn continuously, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Maki. He learned this from his father, a professor at the UI College of Education. He grew up watching his father build relationships with his students that lasted far beyond their school years. Maki found himself in a similar relationship with Craig Logemann, former clinical assistant professor at the UI College of Pharmacy. His kindness and encouragement fostered the confidence he needed to take the first step of his pharmacy career and apply for residencies.
Path to the Present
The UI instilled Klepser with a spirit of collaboration. Within his first five years at UNMC, he had co-authored publications with almost every member of the pharmacy practice department. He was also given leadership opportunities that allowed him to work across the campus, throughout the state, and across the country. During 21 years, Klepser rose from assistant professor to vice chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science ultimately to Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. Now, he continues to push UNMC forward through statewide partnerships that enhance education, scholarship, and clinical service.
When joining Drake University’s faculty in 2005, Maki never imagined he’d become dean. He served and chaired several university committees, including 10 years on their Institutional Review Board. Leading strategic planning initiatives inspired him to pursue the role of director of the clinical sciences department. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to apply for the dean position when the opportunity arose. As dean, he is focused on ensuring access to pharmacy education for all who seek it. Last summer, Drake began offering a part-time option to complete their pharmacy program, breaking down barriers for those who can’t commit to being a full-time student.
The Future of Pharmacy
“We are at a time where the decisions we make will shape the future of pharmacy,” Klepser said. “The work ahead is proactively recognizing and creating the change we want to see.” The responsibility is anxiety-inducing, but also thrilling. Maki shares in his excitement. While serving on the Board of Pharmacy, he watched the new Standard of Care Act take shape. With this, the door has been opened for pharmacists to practice at their full potential. As the profession evolves, these deans look forward to guiding their students toward bright futures, with a touch of Hawkeye pride.