Remembering Michael Schwartz, Former Dean UB School of Pharmacy

Dean Schwartz was a visionary leader, distinguished educator, and esteemed member of the pharmacy community. He joined UB SPPS in 1963, was appointed assistant dean in 1968 and in 1970, became dean serving in this capacity until 1976 at which time he returned to the faculty. In 1978 he went on to the College of Pharmacy, University of Florida and served as their dean from 1978-1996. He remained with UF until 2023, mentoring faculty and teaching an elective course in thinking skills.  

Gary Pollack, PhD, current UB SPPS dean remembers Schwartz fondly as a mentor and colleague, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Mike Schwartz, our esteemed former dean and faculty member. Mike was a true leader, champion of pharmacy and UB SPPS friend.” Pollack continues, “ Beyond his professional achievements, he was a mentor and friend to former students and colleagues, including myself. His wisdom and unwavering support touched the lives of many across the academy, fostering a lasting influence and legacy among the thousands of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students he interacted with."

While at UB SPPS, Schwartz made invaluable contributions to the field of pharmacy education and research, propelling our pharmaceutics program to continued national recognition along with the establishment of one of the first postdoctoral pharmacy fellowship programs. Under his guidance our school flourished during turbulent times, while still maintaining national leadership in pharmacy education, groundbreaking research initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Willam Jusko, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences recalls being a student of Schwartz’s here at UB: “Mike Schwartz was an excellent teacher when I was a PhD student in Pharmaceutics in the late 1960’s.  As Dean, he was instrumental in arranging for the first Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory to be established at the Millard Fillmore Hospital and convincing me to return to UB as an Assistant Professor in 1972.”

Leung Fung, PhD, UB Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, recalls Dean Schwartz’s leadership during challenging times: “Mike Schwartz led the school through the difficult ending period of the Vietnam war when UB was in considerable turmoil. He provided a steady and compassionate hand to the faculty, staff and students while maintaining a clear academic vision for the school.”

Throughout his career, Schwartz was dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy and nurturing the next generation of pharmacists and research scientists. His passion for education, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the profession inspired countless students and colleagues alike. You can read more about Dean Schwartz’s many professional and personal accomplishments at the UF College of Pharmacy legacy page. You may also access a recording of his memorial service here.

The entire UB SPPS community extends its deepest condolences to Dean Schwartz’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. 

Rebecca Brierley
Assistant Dean, Communications and Alumni Relations
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Tel: 716-645-6965
brierley@buffalo.edu