Kearney Rural Health Project

Meet the trailblazers in UNMC’s Kearney PharmD program

As UNMC expands its health science education programs in Kearney, nine students make up the first PharmD class there.

Jun 24, 2026

UNMC pharmacy students in Kearney and Omaha participate in a blend of in-person and virtual instruction designed to ensure a consistent educational experience across campuses.

‘I can be myself in a small town’

A future pharmacist studying at UNMC in Kearney aims to bring meaningful connections to small town Nebraska,

Jun 18, 2026

UNMC pharmacy student Carter Schultz stands in the middle of the street in his hometown of Doniphan, Nebraska.

Piper taking next step at UNMC med school in Kearney

After graduating from UNK in May as a pre-medical student, Elly Piper will stay in Kearney to attend medical school at UNMC.

Jun 5, 2026

Elly Piper is photographed next to the stethoscope sculpture "Healing," a replica of the original at UNMC's Omaha campus that has been installed in Kearney.

Daro expresses gratitude for rural health opportunities

UNMC Student Regent Allie Daro is a graduate of UNK and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program.

May 27, 2026

UNMC Student Senate President Allie Daro, photographed outside the new Health Science Education Center II in Kearney, is a UNK graduate.

UNMC, UNK celebrate opening of rural health education complex

Kearney facilities expand UNMC offerings in medicine, pharmacy, public health, nursing and allied health.

May 15, 2026

Ruth Scott and UNK Chancellor Emeritus Doug Kristensen, JD, stand in front of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex.

Ceremony today to celebrate UNMC’s expansion in Kearney

The new Health Science Education Center II is part of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex.

May 14, 2026

An exterior photo of the Health Science Education Center II building at the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex on the UNMC Kearney campus.

Health Science Education Center II atrium named for Hamiltons

Carey and Brian Hamilton commit $5 million to support the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s rural health initiatives.

Apr 3, 2026

Carey and Brian Hamilton

First UNMC Kearney medical class to be awarded scholarships

The new scholarships will cover at least half the cost of medical school tuition for all four years for the first class of medical students at Kearney.

Feb 23, 2026

The Health Science Education Center II at the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

Pharmacy, nursing students in Kearney join for vaccine clinics

The effort this fall marked the first interprofessional immunization clinics as UNMC expands on the Kearney campus.

Jan 7, 2026

UNMC health sciences students at Kearney teamed up to offer the first interprofessional student-run immunization clinics on the Kearney campus. From left are nursing students Kyra Kruse, Jenna Jakubowski, Vanessa Cardiel and Cody Swinarski, along with pharmacy students Kiernan Bierman and Brianna Plaster.

First pharmacy students in Kearney mark proud milestone

Catching up with the first cohort of the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s class at UNMC’s Kearney campus.

Nov 7, 2025

UNMC College of Pharmacy associate dean, Kearney, Linda Sobeski, PharmD, left, and interim dean of pharmacy Don Klepser, PhD, right, pose with the inaugural class of UNMC pharmacy students at Kearney: front row from left, Vance Sayer, Brianna Plaster, Megan Lukert, Ella Johnson. Back row, Brady Spotanski, Carter Schultz, Kiernan Bierman, Bethany Smallwood, Lexi Bode.