Welcoming a New Leader to KGI's Pharmacy School
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) has officially announced the appointment of Oscar Garza, Ph.D., MBA, as the new Dean of its School of Pharmacy. With his official start date on November 1, Garza brings with him over 20 years of experience in higher education, particularly in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. This new role not only positions him at the helm of KGI's School of Pharmacy but also aligns well with his dedication to driving change within the healthcare industry through education and research.
A Vision for Health Equity and Education
In expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter, Garza highlighted the shared values of KGI’s community-centered educational model and his commitment to health equity. He stated, “KGI’s community-centric approach to education aligns closely with my own commitment to health equity and cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders and researchers.” This philosophy promises to resonate well with the accomplished student body and passionate faculty he will now work alongside, furthering KGI’s mission of fostering scholarship and advancing pharmacy alongside pharmaceutical sciences.
The Role of Dean at the School of Pharmacy
As the Dean, Garza's primary responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the operations of the newly established School of Pharmacy at KGI. This development marks a significant milestone for the institution, as the School of Pharmacy is now recognized as a distinct entity alongside the Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. Garza’s leadership is expected to catalyze new initiatives and enhance KGI's academic offerings.
A Proven Track Record in Pharmacy Education
Garza's professional history includes notable roles such as the regional dean for the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) College of Pharmacy at their New Orleans campus, where he also served as a tenured professor. His time at ULM included an esteemed position as the endowed chair in clinical pharmacy practice. This extensive background demonstrates his robust influence within the pharmacy education landscape.
Prior Experience and Educational Background
Before his tenure at ULM, Garza was the founding director of the PRAXIS Institute for Community Health and Education at the University of Minnesota. His functions there extended to roles in the provost’s office and involvement as a faculty member, further showcasing his dedication to pioneering educational methods that connect pharmacy education with community health needs. His research focuses on the essential task of preparing aspiring pharmacists to effectively contribute to public health.
Garza's commitment to advancing healthcare education is supported by his impressive academic credentials. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, where he specialized in Health Economics, Global Health, and Social Epidemiology. Additionally, he holds an MBA with focuses in Finance, International Business, and Marketing, along with bachelor's degrees in pharmacy administration and psychology from the University of Toledo.
Future Directions for KGI's School of Pharmacy
President Mohamed Abousalem has expressed optimism about Garza's impact on the institution, stating, “At KGI, we are committed to not only advancing our academic excellence but also better serving society through novel ideas and quality education. With his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Garza will provide a fresh perspective as he guides the School of Pharmacy’s growth, emphasizing innovation, research, and the importance of advancing public population health.” This vision is set to inspire new initiatives within the school, focusing on the integration of research and real-world applications of pharmacy education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Dean of KGI's School of Pharmacy?
The new Dean is Oscar Garza, Ph.D., MBA, who will start his role on November 1.
What prior experience does Oscar Garza have?
Garza has over 20 years of experience in higher education and has served as the regional dean for ULM's College of Pharmacy.
What are Garza's educational qualifications?
He holds a Ph.D. in pharmacy, an MBA, and bachelor's degrees in pharmacy administration and psychology.
What is the focus of KGI’s School of Pharmacy under Garza?
The focus will include health equity, community health, and preparing healthcare leaders.
How does Garza view KGI’s educational approach?
He supports a community-centric educational model aimed at advancing health equity and innovation in healthcare education.
