Oct. 13, 2003

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

Statement by provost, professors on death of KU Professor Jeremy A. Matchett

David Shulenburger, University of Kansas provost and executive vice chancellor, and Jack Fincham, dean of the KU School of Pharmacy, made the following statements in response to the death of Jeremy "Jere" A. Matchett, professor of pharmacy practice and pharmacology and toxicology. Matchett died Saturday of an aortic aneurysm while visiting family in Montana.

Statement from Provost Shulenburger:

"Jere Matchett was an adviser and friend to thousands of pharmacy students over the decades. He was known and respected by pharmacists throughout the state of Kansas. He gave unselfishly of his time to students and pharmacists as well as to the university. He will be missed."

Statement from Dean Fincham:

"Dr. Jere Matchett was a steadfast supporter of the faculty and students of the KU School of Pharmacy.ÊHis constant focus on quality and standards in pharmacy education has helped all in our school meet our goals.ÊHis friendship, colleagueship and mentoring cannot be replaced."

Matchett, who received his bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1956 and his Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology from KU in 1976, served the School of Pharmacy for 22 years. He stepped down Aug. 1 as associate dean after serving in that post for 16 years. He also had served as director of pharmacy.

His primary areas of research included psychopharmacology -- the use of psychotropic agents and their mechanism of action, rational drug therapy and the improvement of the pharmacist's ability to contribute to patient health care.

He was a past president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association and has served as a member of the board of directors of American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; two sons, Randy of Lewiston, Montana, and Chris of Lawrence; and a daughter, Kera of Kansas City, Mo.; and five grandchildren.