Overland Park, Kansas – The Kappa Epsilon Fraternity is proud to announce that Jennifer Ridings-Myhra has been selected as the 2014 recipient of the KE / Merck Vanguard Leadership Award. The KE / Merck Vanguard Leadership Award was established in 1989 to recognize Members who have made exemplary contributions in their area of practice, demonstrated leadership qualities of service beyond self and professional achievements that have influenced others serving as a role model to young practitioners.

Jennifer Ridings-Myhra has worked at The University of Texas College of Pharmacy since June 1986, first as Associate Director of Professional Affairs, and since 1995 as Assistant Dean for Experiential and Professional Affairs. Her responsibilities include serving as director of the college’s state-wide experiential program, curriculum development and oversight, lecturer for several pharmacy courses, coordinator of the P3 Professional Development Convocation, Secretary to the Texas Pharmacy Congress, career counselor, academic advisor to students on academic probation and other student affairs-related activities. She also serves as the College’s liaison to the TSBP and NABP on internship and examination matters, and coordinates activities of the Texas Consortium on Experiential Programs.

Jennifer was inducted into the Xi Chapter on campus at the University of Texas-Austin in 1978.  She became the faculty advisor to the Xi Chapter in 1990 and served in this capacity until 2012. During this time, the Xi Chapter hosted the annual convention in 1993. In 1993, she received both the national KE Advisor of the Year award and Unicorn Award.

Prior to her service at the University, Jennifer practiced community pharmacy in Austin. One of the most rewarding aspects of her years of pharmacy practice was serving as a preceptor to pharmacy interns, which, to this day, continues to inspire her work with pharmacy students.

Jennifer is active in church, professional and community organizations. She currently serves as a member of the Personnel Committee at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She has served in several elected and appointed positions within the Texas Pharmacy Association. She is also a member of the Educational Affairs Committee for the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Additionally, she currently serves as secretary to her homeowners’ association board of directors.

In 2004, Jennifer received the William J. Sheffield Outstanding Alumnus Award from The University of Texas College of Pharmacy, the highest award bestowed by the college on an alumnus. She also participated in Leadership Texas 2009, a competitive program of the Foundation for Women’s Resources that brings a select group of women together each year to identify and develop women leaders who will positively impact the state. In 2013, she received the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists Leadership Award.

Jennifer has two grown sons, Matthew and Nicholas, and will soon gain a daughter-in-law. She enjoys time with friends and family, gardening, cooking, dancing and traveling.

Together, we celebrate the many achievements and dedication to the field of pharmacy personified by Jennifer Ridings-Myhra.