Daniel R. Kennedy, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Chair of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences in Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has received the 2025-2026 George R. Spratto Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Biological Sciences Section.
The award recognizes a member of the AACP Biological Sciences Section whose vision and service have inspired a collective appreciation for the biological sciences and the role of science in pharmacy education. It honors exceptional achievements in teaching, research, and service, and recognizes honorees who exemplify a commitment to the academy through personal example, collegiality, mentorship, and leadership.
Kennedy received the award virtually during an AACP Biological Sciences Section ceremony held earlier this month. An in-person recognition ceremony will take place in July.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Spratto Award. George was the first winner of this award and has been a huge influence in pharmacy education. He even played a role in helping to establish WNE’s College of Pharmacy," said Kennedy. "This award honors luminaries in pharmacy education, including AACP presidents, a university president, multiple pharmacy deans, and a number of wonderful mentors and friends, so it is pretty amazing to be part of this group of accomplished pharmacy educators.”
Kennedy’s recognition reflects a career marked by significant contributions to pharmacy education, biological sciences, research, mentorship, and academic leadership. At WNE, his work has helped advance the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ commitment to preparing future pharmacists and health sciences professionals through rigorous scientific training, applied research, and student-centered teaching.
His laboratory research focuses on the development of thiol isomerase inhibitors such as zafirlukast, isoquercetin and their analogues and derivatives to explore their roles in cancer, thrombosis, and cancer-induced thrombosis. His research has involved over 70 WNE students and has been continuously funded by external sources since 2014, resulting in 46 manuscripts and seven licensed patents.
Kennedy also holds academic appointments at UMass Chan Medical School–Baystate and the University of Reading. In addition to his research and teaching, he has been active nationally in pharmacy education, including through service to AACP. In 2025, he was also named an AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholar, a recognition honoring faculty members for outstanding contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
The George R. Spratto Distinguished Achievement Award adds to Kennedy’s growing list of national honors and underscores the impact of his work within WNE, AACP, and the broader pharmacy education community.
