Mike and Susan Kinard Endowed Chair in Pharmacy

In 2024, Michael Kinard, ’78, and Susan Kinard made a commitment through their estate to establish an endowed chair in pharmacy practice.

“The pharmacy profession is complex and life changing,” says Mike. “People don’t realize how much pharmacists do. Pharmacists are experts in tracking patients’ various treatments, issues and prescription medications. They help physicians and medical staff function more efficiently. Healthcare is a cornerstone of society, and I see pharmacists playing a very significant role in healthcare going forward.”

Growing up in St. Helens, one of Mike’s first jobs was for a local pharmacist. “At a small community pharmacy, you see the same people over and over. It opened my eyes as to how to make a positive impact for others.” After OSU, where he was class president, and pharmacy graduate studies, he was hired by Kaiser Permanente. That’s where he met Susan, who says finding her career in healthcare was “the happiest accident of my life.” Both devoted themselves to Kaisers’ nonprofit mission of providing access to high quality, affordable healthcare. They’re now retired – Mike as vice president of ambulatory care, Susan as director of material services.

Mike has served as a College of Pharmacy volunteer leader and was honored by the college as an Icon of Pharmacy (2018). Susan is a proud Beaver by association. Passionate OSU Athletics fans who are dedicated to lowering barriers to education, the couple supports student-athletes in addition to pharmacy.