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The University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences celebrates alumna Marina Maes, PharmD, who has been named the recipient of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) 2025 New Educator Award. This national honor recognizes rising faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a commitment to advancing clinical pharmacy education.
Now a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Maes says the award affirms her dedication to teaching and mentorship.
“This award is a celebration of not only my achievements in clinical education over the last six years, but also a reflection of the many people and environments that have helped shape me. I cannot thank my mentors enough for inspiring me, motivating me, and encouraging me along the way.”
Discovering Her Path
Maes’ passion for education began early, inspired by her mother’s career as a teacher. But it was during her fourth-year rotations at CU Pharmacy that she realized academia was her calling.
“I didn’t go into pharmacy school with the intention of becoming faculty. However, during my APPE rotation with Professor Sunny Linnebur, I had the opportunity to teach in the self-care course, spend time in the UCHealth Seniors Clinic, and write a paper for publication. That experience illustrated how I could practice in a role that focuses on the intersection of real patient care and teaching.”
Throughout her time at CU Pharmacy, Maes found herself surrounded by faculty who modeled excellence and provided guidance at pivotal moments. Their mentorship helped shape her into the educator she is today.
“The faculty at CU Pharmacy have been instrumental in my development as an educator and clinician. Their mentorship took many forms, inviting me into projects, providing thoughtful feedback, modeling strong teaching practice, and offering guidance during pivotal points in my training and career.”
Dr. Linnebur was one of those faculty members who Maes continues to maintain strong ties with as Linnebur has been alongside her during her pharmacy education.
“From her first work as a tutor for other pharmacy students, to her commitment to pursuing APPEs in the academic setting, to selecting residencies with educational opportunities, Marina has been a pharmacy educator in the making for over a decade,” Linnebur says.
A CU Pharmacy Success Story
Linnebur has known Maes for 11 years, ever since Maes was a first-year student at CU Pharmacy and has seen her growth and development as an educator firsthand.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of pharmacy students, many of whom have moved on to academic positions around the country. I can say without a doubt that Marina is the top learner that I have ever worked with and even in the extensive field of successful junior faculty,” Linnebur says.
Looking back, Maes says CU Pharmacy provided the foundation for her career and the confidence to pursue academia.
“I loved my experience at the University of Colorado. What stands out to me is the sense of community among faculty, students, and preceptors. My time at CU shaped the way I approach teaching, practice, and leadership and gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue the career I have today.”
As Maes continues to inspire students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, her recognition as ACCP’s 2025 New Educator Award recipient underscores the lasting impact of CU Pharmacy’s commitment to mentorship, innovation, and excellence. Her journey is an example of how CU Pharmacy graduates carry forward the school’s mission to advance pharmacy practice, education, and patient care.
