July 22, 2025

University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Appoints New CEC Leader

News Summary

The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy has appointed Leigh Ann Keeton as a clinical assistant professor to lead the new Ashland Clinical Education Center. This initiative, a collaboration with UK King’s Daughters, aims to enhance pharmacy education and practice, providing advanced training opportunities for students in a community-focused environment. Keeton’s extensive clinical background and commitment to patient care will be instrumental in developing the center, which is expected to significantly impact the educational landscape and healthcare access in the region.

Ashland, Kentucky

The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) has appointed Leigh Ann Keeton, Pharm.D., BCPS, as a clinical assistant professor to lead the new Ashland Clinical Education Center (CEC). This center represents a collaboration between UKCOP and UK King’s Daughters and aims to enhance experiential education and pharmacy practice in the region.

The Ashland CEC will offer comprehensive Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) opportunities for fourth-year pharmacy students while maintaining a strong community focus. The initiative is modeled after the successful Louisville Clinical Education Center (LCEC) and is part of UKCOP’s ongoing mission to expand pharmacy education and healthcare access across Kentucky.

Keeton brings over 20 years of clinical experience to her new role. She has previously served as the infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist at King’s Daughters Health System and is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. Her extensive background includes precepting pharmacy students and residents across various disciplines, equipping her with the necessary skills to lead the Ashland CEC effectively. Keeton’s deep connection to the Ashland region and her commitment to patient-centered care further enhance her qualifications for this position.

Significance of the Ashland CEC

The Ashland Clinical Education Center was made possible by the University of Kentucky’s acquisition of King’s Daughters in 2022. King’s Daughters serves as a critical healthcare hub for a 16-county region spanning Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, making this initiative particularly impactful for local communities. The center aims to provide robust clinical training, academic support, and facilitate community engagement—elements that echo the successes of the Louisville CEC.

In her role as the head of the Ashland CEC, Keeton will oversee student rotations, support preceptors, expand training sites, and coordinate interdisciplinary educational activities. Her leadership is anticipated to significantly enhance the educational landscape for pharmacy students while aligning with the long-standing tradition of community service that characterizes King’s Daughters.

Community and Educational Impact

UKCOP’s focus is firmly rooted in advancing pharmacy education, research, and practice throughout the Commonwealth. The establishment of the Ashland CEC signifies a pivotal step towards achieving this goal by providing students with hands-on learning experiences in a community-centric environment.

Keeton has expressed her honor in joining the faculty and her enthusiasm for launching the Ashland CEC. She is dedicated to fostering pharmacy education while supporting the local community’s healthcare needs.

Olufunmilola Abraham, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, has expressed excitement about Keeton’s appointment, highlighting her potential mentorship role for students and the valuable leadership she is expected to bring to the center.

As UKCOP continues to expand its outreach and impact, the Ashland Clinical Education Center stands as a focal point for future pharmacy professionals, equipping them with the necessary tools to serve their communities effectively.