Over the past decade, the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has increased its research awards significantly, revised its curriculum, launched new degree programs, expanded its statewide footprint, and ranked as a Top 20 school of pharmacy. All these accomplishments have come under the leadership of College of Pharmacy Dean Marie Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, PhD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, FAST.
After 10 years at the helm of the college, Dean Chisholm-Burns has accepted a position as the next executive vice president and provost of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) effective in July. She will remain at UTHSC until the end of the academic year in June to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as dean of the UTHSC College of Pharmacy over the last 10 years,” Dean Chisholm-Burns said. “I am so proud of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and all we have accomplished. In my remaining time as dean, we will continue working together with relentless dedication to achieve the college’s mission and vision.”
During Dean Chisholm-Burns’ tenure, the college:
- Has been repeatedly ranked as a Top 20 school of pharmacy by U.S. News & World Report
- Quadrupled its funding for research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), elevating its ranking for NIH funding from approximately 40 to 14 among more than 140 colleges of pharmacy in the country
- Launched the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, as well as several dual-degree and certificate programs
- Established a three-year accelerated PharmD pathway, offering an option for qualified student pharmacists to complete their training and enter the workforce one year earlier
- Opened its Nashville campus, expanding training opportunities for students beyond the established Memphis and Knoxville options
- Increased scholarships for the student body, allowing 100% of the student body to have a scholarship
- Implemented and expanded its regional tuition program nationwide, improving access and affordability for students
- Made strides in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recent incoming classes were the most diverse in the college’s history. Additionally, the college has promoted an inclusive culture and environment.
“Marie has been an outstanding dean for 10 years and a key member of the UTHSC leadership team,” said outgoing UTHSC Chancellor Steve J. Schwab, MD. “Her innovation and determination show in every aspect of the College of Pharmacy. We wish her the absolute best as she leaves UTHSC in June, after graduating the Pharmacy Class of 2022.”
Dean Chisholm-Burns holds multiple degrees, including Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Public Health, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy. She is the founder and director of the Medication Access Program, which increases medication access to solid-organ transplant recipients; serves as Tennessee Commissioner for the Education Recovery and Innovation Commission; and is a board member of the American Society of Transplantation and the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education.
She has received approximately $17 million in funding from external grant funding from sources including the NIH, foundations, and industry; has more than 365 publications (peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, abstracts); and has received numerous national awards for leadership, research, teaching, and service.
“Marie is a gifted colleague, who has had a remarkable impact in leading the College of Pharmacy to unprecedented successes,” said incoming UTHSC Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD. “Undoubtedly, Marie will excel at OHSU, and she will make us very proud. The search for a new dean for the College of Pharmacy is poised to attract top-caliber candidates for this highly enviable leadership opportunity.”
A search committee under the direction of Vice Chancellor for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs Cindy Russell, PhD, RN, and College of Nursing Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-Bc, FAANP, will immediately begin the search for a successor to Dean Chisholm-Burns.