Ascione new pharmacy dean

Frank Ascione has been chosen to serve as dean of the College of Pharmacy by President Mary Sue Coleman and Provost Paul N. Courant. Ascione, who currently serves as associate dean for academic affairs in the college, was selected following a national search. Pending approval by the Board of Regents, his appointment takes effect Sept. 1.

(Photo by Gregory Fox)

Ascione began serving as associate dean in 1996. He joined the faculty as a part-time assistant professor in 1977 and rose through the ranks to become a full professor in 2001. He holds the title of professor of social and administrative sciences with tenure.

Ascione's relationship with the University began when he was a student. He earned four degrees from U-M: a bachelor's in pharmacy, a doctor of pharmacy, a master's in public health and a doctorate in health behavior/health education. He is a licensed pharmacist in the state of Michigan.

"Frank's broad academic and administrative experience, and his knowledge of the profession and the disciplines of pharmacy, coupled with his deep knowledge of this University, make him an ideal candidate," Courant said in announcing the appointment Jan. 23.

"We are reminded daily of the increasing importance of prescription drugs, medically, economically and socially. Both within the University and more broadly in society, Frank Ascione is poised to provide the interdisciplinary and inclusive leadership that will enable our College of Pharmacy to continue its excellence," Courant said.

Ascione is recognized nationally for both his teaching and research. He has published two editions of a reference text that is used in pharmacy schools throughout the country. He introduced the College of Pharmacy to the first extensive use of Web-based technology through a course on scientific literature evaluation, a project for which he was awarded the ComputerWorld Smithsonian Award for Innovation in Education and Academia. He also co-established the first doctorate in social and administrative sciences at the college, a program that is highly regarded nationally.

His scholarship has focused on health services research, consumer medication-taking behavior and medication use policy. His multidisciplinary approach has involved collaboration with researchers from the School of Business Administration, School of Public Health, the Medical School and the Institute of Gerontology.

"The college is engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations involving other health science schools, the U-M Health System, other professional schools, and LSA's Department of Chemistry," Coleman said. "The major initiative in the life sciences also creates wonderful opportunities for further collaboration and growth. Frank's skills and his extensive experience at the University will enable him to provide critical leadership to bring these opportunities to fruition."

Ascione has authored or co-authored more than 70 journal articles and four books, and has collaborated on more than 80 scientific presentations.

He has received several awards and appointments, including the Michigan Executive Board medal, a fellowship of the American Pharmaceutical Association Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science, and the chairmanship of the American Pharmaceutical Association Section on Social and Administrative Sciences.

In his current position as associate dean, Ascione is involved in budget planning; serves as co-director of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Program, a collaborative effort with the College of Engineering; is responsible for the college's faculty mentoring program; supervises the graduate professional program; and manages staff.

Prior to coming to U-M, Ascione served as director of the Drug Interactions Evaluation Program of the American Pharmaceutical Association in Washington, D.C., and as a staff pharmacist and coordinator of outpatient pharmacy services at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

"I am honored to have been selected as dean of my alma mater and the institution in which I have spent most of my professional career," Ascione said. "The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy has a long and rich history of strong leadership from its deans. The shoes of my predecessors will be tough to fill. However, I am confident that the mentoring and guidance I received while working at U-M will enable me to keep our college at the high standard established by my predecessors."

Acsione's immediate predecessor, George Kenyon, will step down Aug. 1 to devote more time to his research. Kenyon has served as dean since 1997.

"We are grateful to George Kenyon for the excellent leadership that he has provided and delighted that he will continue to contribute through his research, teaching and international scientific leadership," Courant said.

A committee led by Henry Mosberg, associate dean for research and graduate education and professor of medicinal chemistry, began the national search for a new dean in June.