Jessica Downes, PharmD, has been named vice chair of department of pharmacy practice and science, the UNMC College of Pharmacy announced.
“I am excited to have Jessica in this leadership position,” said Don Klepser, PhD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean. “It is always exciting to see people step up to a new challenge, and I am confident Dr. Downes will do an amazing job.”
Dr. Downes, clinical associate professor within the department, also serves as a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care at OneWorld Community Health Centers. She’s been on faculty at UNMC for nearly a dozen years and earned her PharmD degree from the University of Kansas. She has been selected for UNMC’s iLEAD (Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence and Academic Development) 2025-2026 cohort. Dr. Downes has been honored as the college’s Faculty Preceptor of the Year and the OneWorld Community Health Centers have been honored as the Preceptor Site of the Year.
She specializes in serving patients from underserved populations to help better manage their chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction and her clinical and didactic teaching reflect these areas of specialty. Her research explores population-based health with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. Dr. Downes also led the development of a Medical Spanish Language track within the college, to ensure more students had an opportunity to develop their Spanish language skills to support patients across Nebraska.
“Jessica is an engaged member of the department, and I am excited about the perspective and energy she will bring to this role,” said Kim Scarsi, PharmD, chair and Lewis E. and Antonia E. Harris Professor of pharmacy practice and science.